THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI FOUNDATION News Foundation Spring 2009 At Ole Miss, Generous Support Continues Pediatrics chair named for philanthropic alumna or more than 20 years, Suzan Brown Thames, of Jackson, has worked tirelessly to improve health care Ffor Mississippi children. Now her name will be synonymous with her life’s passion through an endow- ment for the Medical Center. The Suzan Brown Thames Chair in Pediatrics in the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children was announced, as a surprise to Thames, at the Nov. 20 National Philanthropy Inside Day luncheon sponsored by the Mississippi chapter MomentUM Campaign of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Results Thames also accepted the award for 2008 page 16 Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year at the event. “I have never been so shocked, so Bancroft Fund Aids overwhelmed and so proud,” she Children’s Hospital said. “This is a tribute not just to page 20 me but to the pediatrics depart- ment that has grown so much Legacy Fund Honors over the years. We need more Retiring Chancellor and more chairs.” At back cover UMMC, a chair is fully continued on page 3

School of Accountancy secures endowed chair lumnus Roland Burns is a man dedicated to educa- Ation. In 1999, with what started as an interest in his own children’s school, Burns, along with his wife, Sheryl, took on the responsibility for helping open what is now Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco, Texas. The school now has 725 students on its 30-acre campus. More recently Burns, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy in 1982, made a gift of $1.5 million to seed the Roland and Sheryl Burns Chair of Accountancy in the UM Patterson School of Accountancy. “The generosity and commitment of the Burns family will create new educational opportunities for our continued on page 28

(Top) Suzan Thames at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children (Bottom) Roland and Sheryl Burns THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI FOUNDATION

The University of Mississippi Foundation is a nonprofit corporation char- tered in 1973 by the State of Mississippi to operate FoundationNews primarily for the benefit of the University of Mississippi. The Foundation is responsible for Table of Contents receiving, receipting, investing and distributing all gifts for the benefit of the University of Mississippi. It pursues this mission in an environment of productive teamwork, effective communication Academics...... 2, 13, 23 and relentless service to our donors, University Sen. Trent Lott contributes to scholarship in wife’s name; School of Education dean seeds administrators, faculty, staff and students. Communication of University needs and priorities scholarship; Oxford health care consultancy group gives to School of Pharmacy. along with encouraging investment in the future of Ole Miss are integral to our success. Integrity, honor, civility, service and respect for our donors Chancellor’s Trust...... 9 and their wishes serve as the Foundation’s guiding Two couples make generous contributions. principles.

The University of Mississippi 1848 Society...... 10 Foundation P.O. Box 249, University, MS 38677 Alumnus seeds Student Affairs endowment; risk management and www.umf.olemiss.edu insurance program gets substantial support; pharmacy graduate still E-mail: [email protected] motivated by long-ago professor’s loan; more. Telephone: (800) 340-9542 Facsimile: (662) 915-7880

The University complies with all applicable laws Women’s Council...... 14 regarding affirmative action and equal opportu- Carl and Olivia Nabors’ estates will support many facets of Ole Miss, nity in all its activities and programs and does not including the Women’s Council for Philanthropy. discriminate against anyone protected by law because of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran. Ole Miss First...... 15 Donors fund two new scholarships, one honoring a UM Sports Hall Edited by of Fame inductee. Start Here Project Development Sonia Thompson Jennifer Southall MomentUM Campaign ...... 16 Contributing editor Landmark giving campaign yields remarkable results. Sandra McGuire Guest

Contributing writers Tobie Baker, Rebecca Lauck Cleary, Innovative Giving...... 18 Jennifer Farish, Patrice Sawyer Guilfoyle, Texas foundation supports Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children and Ole Miss First; Tina H. Hahn, Lindsey Phillips, endowment will fund liberal arts and medical scholarships. Jennifer Southall, Sonia Thompson, Jenny Woodruff

Graphic designer Medical Center...... 20 Carra Hewitt Bancroft Fund gives transformational gift; Barksdale family’s minority scholarship support

Contributing photographers continues; nurses provide vital scholarship support to nursing students. Kevin Bain, Harry Briscoe, Jay Ferchaud, Robert Jordan, Nathan Latil

FoundationNews Message from the Chancellor

hen a person is given the privilege of serving as chancellor of our university, progress during his tenure will depend upon the Wsupport received from many groups. Faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, the board of trustees, the governor, legislators, the congressional delegation and others are critical to the pursuit of university goals. For Ole Miss, our foundation, its board and staff are crucial. Without the support and leadership of the UM Foundation, we cannot move forward. At my first meeting with the Foundation board, unqualified commitment to the revitalization and progress of all aspects of our university was offered. Since that beautiful autumn day in 1995, when the Foundation board members committed to an aggressive, ambitious plan for the University, we have steadily—sometimes miraculously—achieved goals that were previously unattainable. At the Medical Center and on the Oxford campus, evidence of a vital, active and productive foundation is everywhere. The leaders of the Foundation have committed their time, energy and personal resources to University needs. Almost without exception, special programs and facilities on our campus would not exist without support from the Foundation. Throughout the fourteen years I have served as chancellor, a harmonious relationship has prevailed between our foundation leaders and the University management team. We have witnessed steady growth in the level and number of gifts to the Foundation, improvement of services offered by our staff, timely reporting to donors and governmental oversight agencies and prudent manage- ment of our endowment. To each of you who has participated in the remarkable success of the UM Foundation, the University community expresses its profound gratitude to you. You have enabled our university to join the elite academic centers in the nation. On a personal note, my family joins me in thanking you for enhancing our lives through your dedication to Ole Miss and your generous support of us.

Warmest Regards,

Robert C. Khayat Chancellor

Message from the Foundation President

hile 2008 is a year we soon want to put behind us on the economic front, the continued support and loyalty of our alumni and Wfriends pull us closer together as we work to enhance the lives of our Ole Miss students. Our endowment, which reached $500 million in December 2007, has seen a market decline of more than 25 percent, like so many other university endowments. Notwithstanding the loss in value, our donors continue to fund the many scholarships and programs that would otherwise go unfunded. We continue to grow and fulfill our mission of being a “great American public university.” We are grateful for your gifts, which keep our academic enrichment in place for this generation of students. You can see from the many highlights of this past year that we have much to be thankful for, including: • The historic Presidential Debate, funded in large part by private support. • Exceeding $50 million in annual donations for the fourth consecutive year. • The completion of the successful four-year MomentUM Campaign, which garnered $240 million in gifts and pledges. • The start or completion of many new projects: • The Inn at Ole Miss • The UMMC Cancer Clinic • The new School of Law • The new basketball practice facility and expanded baseball complex • The Center for Manufacturing Excellence • The first residential college at Ole Miss • The 1848 Society for planned and deferred giving more than doubled in size during the MomentUM Campaign. I hope you enjoy each of the articles in this issue, as they tell many of the stories we hear each day. These are stories about how private support makes a difference in the lives of our students. Your generous support is making such a positive impact on our Ole Miss community. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for all you do.

Sincerely,

Wendell W. Weakley President/CEO, University of Mississippi Foundation academics Alumnus Seeds Scholarship, Supports UM Athletics

lumnus Stephen Rowell has honored the memory Debbie Vaughn said Both father and son are natives of Heidelberg, in Aof his father by creating the William Paul Rowell of Stephen Rowell’s Jasper County. The elder Rowell was an avid Ole Miss Scholarship Endowment with a gift of $100,000. He suppor t, “ These football fan. “He was one of Archie Manning’s biggest also has dedicated $200,000 to establish the Stephen generous gifts will fans, not just because Archie was a good athlete, but E. Rowell Athletics Scholarship Endowment, which both honor William because he was a man of character,” Rowell said. “He will provide scholarships for UM student-athletes. Paul Rowell and would be proud to know that I’ve had the pleasure of The elder Rowell attended Mississippi State provide vital assis- meeting Archie and that all the things he believed University for one year before leaving, and found tance to our students. about Archie being a good guy are true. success in the dry cleaning, cattle farming and I can’t say enough “He would be especially proud to know that his construction industries. “My father always tried to a b o u t S t e p h e n hard work is still paying dividends in the form of this help kids by giving them summer jobs to earn money Rowell’s dedication scholarship. The work ethic he instilled in me is the for their education,” Stephen Rowell said. “Later in life to Ole Miss.” reason that I was able to create this endowment. One he practiced random acts of kindness where he could. “They say the of my father’s favorite quotes was, ‘Education is a good One particular moment that stands out in my mind measure of a man thing—as long as we don’t try to use it as a substitute occurred on a pheasant hunting trip in Clearfield, can be determined for work.’” William Paul Rowell Iowa. Our hunting guide, whom we had used for the by the acts of kind- Stephen Rowell earned a degree in accounting past two years, had run into a bit of bad luck, as his ness that are done by from Ole Miss in 1978. He now owns Flagstar wife had left him with two young children. When we him when there is absolutely no way he can benefit Construction, a commercial construction and general left to go hunting, we saw his children playing barefoot from that act,” said Stephen Rowell. “My father was contracting firm in Brandon. in the snow. When my father found out they didn’t one of those outstanding people whose legacy should “Ole Miss is something that runs in your blood,” have much money, he gave our guide $500 to buy be remembered. He was one of the ‘good guys,’ and Rowell said. “It’s a special feeling that you feel when shoes and clothing for his children.” that’s the reason this scholarship was created in his you come back to the Grove or go to the Square. I’m Assistant vice chancellor for university relations memory.” glad to be able to give something back.”

Former Youngest UM Student Creates Scholarship

l u m n u s C r e i g h t o n From his humble beginnings on a farm in Arkansas in 1950. In 1953 he earned a medical certifi- AWilson, of Gainesville, Lambert, Wilson entered Ole Miss in 1944 at just 14 cate from UM before going on to earn a medical Fla., has created the Dr. years of age. At the time Wilson was the youngest degree from the University of Tennessee. For the C r e i g h t o n L . W i l s o n freshman ever to enter the University, where his nick- majority of his career in medicine, Wilson specialized Scholarship Endowment with name was “little flea,” because he was 4 feet 10 inches in orthopedic surgery. He also taught clinical orthope- a gift of $100,000. tall and 90 pounds. dics and rehab at the University of Miami Medical “I wanted to repay Ole He remembers struggling to make ends meet as a School. Miss for all it has done for me,” student, often eating tomato sandwiches for lunch “This generous gift reflects the dedication and Creighton Wilson Wilson said. “Although I don’t when money ran out at the end of the month. Wilson commitment of Dr. Creighton Wilson to the get back to Oxford much, I still credits much of his success at Ole Miss to Malcom University of Mississippi,” said Wendell Weakley, pres- have Ole Miss blood in my veins.” Guess, who then served as dean of men, for giving him ident and CEO of the UM Foundation. “We are The endowment will provide a permanent source a job on campus. profoundly grateful for his support and for helping of scholarship support to deserving Ole Miss “Dean Guess knew I didn’t have much money, so create more opportunities for Ole Miss students.” students. he gave me the job of fire marshal of the third floor of Wilson comes from a long line of Ole Miss “I hope this scholarship will help students who the YMCA building,” Wilson said. “And with the job alumni. His father, C.L. Wilson, and his three need it most,” Wilson said. “When I think back, I had came a free room.” brothers, Robert, Albert and George, all graduated to work my way through college. I just don’t want Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss from Ole Miss. students to have to struggle like I did.” in 1949 and a master’s degree from the University of

2 FoundationNews academics Dean’s Son Memorialized by Scholarship

s dean of the School of Education at the more example of his commitment Mississippi College. His doctorate in AUniversity of Mississippi, Tom Burnham places a to help strengthen education in curriculum and instruction is from high priority on helping students attend Ole Miss. Mississippi.” Delta State University. With a new scholarship named for his late son, Burnham’s daughter, Cassondra Before becoming dean in 2004, Burnham is doing just that. The Tom Burnham Jr. Vanderford, is a teacher at Brandon Burnham previously served as super- Memorial Scholarship Endowment will assist full-time High School. She and her husband, intendent of the Henderson County UM students. Craig, also contributed to the schol- (N.C.) Public Schools, as Mississippi’s “My purposes in funding the scholarship centered arship honoring her brother. superintendent of education, and as in honoring the memory of my son and in supporting “As first and second generations superintendent and a high school the University,” Burnham said. “My work here has of a family to attend and complete principal for the Biloxi Public Schools. been a great joy, and I have the greatest love and respect college, we value greatly our experi- He also served as assistant dean of for Ole Miss.” ences and want to extend the same continuing education at Delta State UM Chancellor Robert Khayat said, “Not only opportunities to other young University and as a teacher and are we grateful to Tom Burnham for his dedication and people,” Burnham said. Tom Burnham administrator in the Rankin County service to the School of Education, but that he would Burnham is a product of the Schools. give back to Ole Miss in this way is truly remarkable. Mississippi education system, beginning with grade “Mississippi is my home, and the home of my Dean Burnham and the school’s faculty work tire- school. He attended Hinds Community College, then grandsons, and I want to do everything possible to lessly to produce successful leaders in the classroom earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration advance education and provide greater success for our and other educational settings. This gift is just one and master’s degree in school principalship, both at students,” Burnham said.

Suzan Thames continued from Cover endowed when gifts reach $2 million. Dan Jones, vice E. Batson Hospital for Children, which opened in chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of 1997. Under her leadership as president and chair of Medicine, said $1.5 million has been raised for the board of Friends of Children’s Hospital, the orga- Thames’ chair through private donations. nization raised a record $1 million in 2007. “The resources are going to be great to move the Thames also serves on the UM Foundation’s department forward and to further the treatment of board of directors and the advisory board of the our children,” Jones said. department of communication sciences and disorders A consummate fundraiser and volunteer, Thames in the School of Applied Sciences, and she is president- said her motivation is the well-being of Mississippi’s elect of the school’s alumni chapter board. Besides children. She stated in her acceptance speech that she giving to the Medical Center, she has made donations was among many people who did what was necessary to the Chancellor’s Trust, School of Applied Sciences, to accomplish the impossible. She shared the credit Inn at Ole Miss and Gertrude C. Ford Center for the with family, friends, fellow volunteers and the physi- Performing Arts. cians and leadership of the Medical Center. “She epitomizes what a foundation board member “Because of them, I was consumed by the thought Suzan Thames is all about,” said Sandra Guest, vice president of the that the health and welfare of a child—any child—was UM Foundation. “She is supportive of the University important to our society,” Thames said. “As much as Enrichment and Activities for Children’s Health, or at both the Oxford and the Jackson campuses. She has anything, it’s been a journey of blind faith. Throughout REACH, a Junior League project that involves work been an ambassador for Ole Miss for many years.” my journey, I have had the privilege of standing on the with young cancer patients. Thames and other It’s estimated that at least $20 million in chari- shoulders of many giants.” members of the Junior League raised $2 million to table contributions can be attributed to Thames. Thames is a 1968 graduate of UM’s College of build the Mississippi Children’s Cancer Clinic, which Thames’ name is equated with family, philanthropy Liberal Arts with a bachelor’s degree in special educa- opened in 1991 and serves thousands of children and children, UM Chancellor Robert Khayat said. tion, speech and hearing. She became interested in the throughout the state. “The word ‘volunteer’ means Suzan Brown Medical Center with her involvement in Recreation, Thames also raised money to help build the Blair Thames,” he said.

Spring 2009 3 academics Senator Trent Lott Contributes to Wife’s Scholarship

ormer Mississippi senator are required to pursue a major in FTrent Lott has made a public policy leadership. Besides $250,000 gift to a University maintaining academic standards, of Mis­sissippi scholarship the students are expected to endowment that honors his continue their commitment to wife. community service. To help them “ We a r e g r a t e f u l t o balance these requirements, they Senator Lott for his continued are paired with faculty mentors. support of Ole Miss and are The Patricia Thompson Lott thankful to those friends who Scholarship was originally estab- created this scholarship,” said lished in 2005 with gifts from UM Chancellor Robert Lott Institute executive director Khayat. “The Patricia Lott Bill Gottshall and his wife, Scholarship ensures that Ole Donna; Sen. Lott’s former state Miss will continue its long director Guy Hovis and his wife, tradition of nurturing strong Sis; and Senate Secretary Gary leaders for our state and Chancellor Robert Khayat accepts Sen. Trent Lott’s donation Sisco and his wife, Mary Sue. nation.” Established in 1999, the Recipients of the Patricia Thompson Lott Institute who are incoming freshmen from Mississippi Lott Leadership Institute honors Sen. Lott, an Ole Scholarship are students in UM’s Lott Leadership with demonstrated leadership abilities. Lott scholars Miss graduate.

Longtime Education Advocate Honored With Scholarship

o honor the memory know he would be proud and honored to have a Winter. “Every present-day Mississippian owes Dr. Tof his father, a long- scholarship bear his name.” Todd a huge debt of gratitude for his unceasing time public school admin- Lindsey Todd began a 49-year career as a school battle for public education in this state.” istrator, University of administrator in 1919. Unable to return to Ole Miss Todd served as president of the Mississippi Mississippi alumnus Joseph because of his father’s terminal illness, he became Education Association in 1945. He was a founder of C. Todd, of Cincinnati, principal of a school in Kemper County. the Mississippi Association of School Administrators O h i o , h a s c r e a t e d During summer sessions, he earned a bachelor’s in the early 1930s and served as the second president t h e L i n d s e y O . To d d degree from George Peabody College for Teachers, a of the association. After World War II, Todd acted as Lindsey Todd Scholarship Endowment at master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers a consultant to several states developing community his alma mater with a gift of $100,000. College and a Ph.D. from Peabody. His doctorate college systems. The Southern Association of The elder Todd, who died in 1973, dedicated was the second in the state earned by a Mississippi Colleges and Schools and the American Association his life and career to improving public schools in public school administrator. of School Administrators honored him with distin- Mississippi. Todd became superintendent of schools in guished service recognition. “My father was an energetic man with an Collins and Philadelphia. He served as president of Todd’s two children both earned degrees at Ole inquisitive mind whose passion was public service,” East Central Community College for 19 years, and Miss. Joseph Todd received a bachelor’s degree from Joseph Todd said. “He held the basic belief that as superintendent of Meridian Public Schools, UM in 1956 before earning his medical degree at education was the key to opportunity, personal including Meridian Community College, for 18 Harvard University. His sister, Jane Todd Gurry, fulfillment and societal progress. He did not years. earned her undergraduate degree from UM in 1953. complete a degree at Ole Miss, but he was always “Dr. Lindsey Todd was one of Mississippi’s Later, she attended Duke University Divinity School mindful of the importance in his life of having had most inspiring and effective leaders in the field of and graduated from the Virginia Theological the opportunity to attend his state’s university. I public education,” said former governor William Seminary.

4 FoundationNews academics Health Care Consultancy Group Supports Pharmacy School

edical Marketing Economics the school; and the remaining amount MLLC, a consultancy group based will support the science library located in Oxford, has committed $350,000 to in the Thad Cochran Research Center. support the University of Mississippi “Our company, MME, wouldn’t School of Pharmacy. be here if it weren’t for the Ole Miss “Faculty, staff and students of the School of Pharmacy,” said Kolassa, School of Pharmacy are grateful for the CEO and managing partner of MME, generous support of Dr. Mick Kolassa who holds a Ph.D. in pharmacy from and the MME partners,” said Barbara Ole Miss. “It is where many of us met, Wells, the school’s dean. “This gift will the source of many of our employees make a meaningful difference for both and a major source of pride for all of us. graduate and professional students and We see this gift as a way for us to give their faculty. MME provides a back.” wonderful example for us all—alumni, MME develops value-based strate- businesses, faculty and staff—to gies and market research for health care emulate. These forward-looking, goods and services and assists its clients community-minded individuals believe MME partners (back, from left) Doug Paul, Kevin Patterson, (front) Bill Lobb, Brian in gathering, evaluating and under- in the importance of supporting the Reisetter, Mick Kolassa standing the information needed to school to ensure that we can provide make decisions about their products the best education possible. We thank them for the different ways: $150,000 will create and endow the and services. Of MME’s seven partners, four hold faith they place in us and our students.” MME Fellowship in Pharmacy Administration; degrees from UM’s School of Pharmacy. The company The gift will support the pharmacy school in three another $150,000 will create a general fund to support also has an office in Montclair, New Jersey.

The new School of Pharmacy Practice Building will soon be For more information about the University of Mississippi School constructed in Jackson of Pharmacy, visit www.pharmacy.olemiss.edu

Spring 2009 5 Academics Support Grows for Promises to Keep Campaign

wo loyal pharmacy grads, Jim he said. students and by prioritizing research goals,” Shelly TAinsworth and Keith Shelly, have each Besides Sarah, who earned said. “I am proud of that fact and recognize that main- made generous conrtibutions to support the both her bachelor’s and master’s taining this standard requires the emotional and finan- UM School of Pharmacy. degrees from Ole Miss in 1965 and cial support of those who have already benefited from Ainsworth, who graduated in 1967, is 1966, the couple’s two daughters, this great institution. I am pleased to be able to vice president of regional operations for Rebecca McGee and Debra Ottens, contribute to the School of Pharmacy to promote its Baptist Memorial Health Care based in are also UM alumnae, with Rebecca growth, particularly as the Memphis, Tenn., and also serves as CEO of earning a pharmacy degree in school celebrates its 100th Baptist Memorial Hospital-North 1991. year.” Mississippi in Oxford. He has worked in Shelly, who graduated in Shelly’s two daughters the Baptist system for nearly 40 years, Jim and Sarah Ainsworth 1978, owns Donelson Drug Mart, have Ole Miss ties: Karah beginning his career as a pharmacist there in 1969. a pharmacy in Nashville, Tenn. He also serves as the earned an MBA and Kalyn is “I feel all of us have an obligation to contribute to director of pharmacy for Centerstone Community currently attending. the education of future health care professionals,” Mental Health Centers, located throughout middle Both gifts are part of the Keith Shelly Ainsworth said. “It is no longer realistic to think that Tennessee. He says that although he returned to his pharmacy school’s Promises public dollars will be sufficient to cover the health care native Tennessee after graduating from Ole Miss, he to Keep Campaign, a five-year initiative to raise $5 workforce needs of the future.” never forgot the good times, friendships and value of million in private support. Of the money raised, $2.5 The gift from Ainsworth and his wife, Sarah, also his education from his time in Oxford. His gift will million will help construct the UM Pharmacy Practice a UM grad, will support construction of a new create the J. Keith Shelly Conference Room in Faser Building; $1.5 million will provide scholarship Pharmacy Practice Building in Jackson. Hall. support; and $1 million will provide faculty support “We also wanted to support the University “The University of Mississippi is among the through an endowment to attract and retain the best because our benefits as students laid the foundation for nation’s leaders in promoting excellence within our and brightest professors, clinicians and researchers outstanding professional as well as personal careers,” profession by providing quality instruction to its from around the globe. Walgreens Supports School of Pharmacy

rug retailer Walgreens has made a generous gift Dto support the UM School of Pharmacy. The gift will help with costs for the new Pharmacy Practice Building in Jackson. “Walgreens has a long-standing partnership with the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy,” said Tonya Shackelford, a Walgreens district manager who is also an Ole Miss pharmacy alumna. “Many Ole Miss pharmacy students intern with Walgreens through our summer internship program and go on to work for us full-time. Ole Miss graduates are an asset to our company and the profession. Walgreens is dedi- cated to advancing the field of pharmacy, and the new School of Pharmacy Practice Building will certainly help us do that.” The new 26,000-square foot building will not only provide essential facilities to meet the needs of students and faculty, but it will also allow the phar- Walgreens district manager Tonya Shackelford (front row, third from left) presents a check to pharmacy school dean Barbara Wells (front row, second from left) macy school to address the critical shortage of trained pharmacists in Mississippi by allowing for an increase rooms and research space for students, faculty, resi- ence on the Medical Center campus in Jackson will in enrollment in the professional pharmacy program. dents and fellows. A student lounge will be provided, foster interdisciplinary collaboration with health care The building will feature technology-driven class- as well as space for professional associations. A pres- practitioners, faculty and students.

6 FoundationNews academics Support Grows for Promises to Keep Campaign UM Benefits From State Representative’s Salary

ecil Brown, a Mississippi State Representative opportunity to create the scholar- Cfrom the 66th District, has established the Nancy ship. This scholarship is a way for H. Brown Teacher Corps Endowment with a gift of her to continue to participate in $130,000. The gift honors Brown’s wife, a teacher in public education long after we are the Jackson Public Schools. both gone. Scholarship recipients will be second-year “Without question the most Mississippi Teacher Corps (MTC) teachers in the critical element in a quality educa- Jackson Public Schools. The MTC was co-founded by tion is a qualified teacher in every Andy Mullins in 1989, who now serves UM as execu- classroom,” Brown said. “There is tive assistant chancellor. no substitute. Mississippi suffers “Education is a passion in our home,” Brown from a shortage of teachers—more said. “Nancy is a math teacher, and I spend much of than 2,000 in the current year. In my legislative time working on issues in public educa- addition, large numbers of young Chancellor Robert Khayat, Nancy and Cecil Brown, Andy Mullins tion. Also, we are both alumni of Ole Miss and love the teachers leave the profession in the University. Nancy and I agreed when I was elected to early years, further exacerbating the degree in education, job placement that includes full the House nearly 10 years ago that we would always problem. Graduates of the MTC have proven time and pay and benefits and, most importantly, an opportu- give all of my legislative pay to charity. We have been again that they will be successful in the classroom and nity to help strengthen education in Mississippi. very blessed and wanted my service in the House to be become leaders in educational excellence. Through the “Economic and social indicators make it clear that all about public service and not in any way for personal MTC we are building an army of qualified teachers a quality education is the key to a brighter future for gain. The Teacher Corps gives us a way to concentrate one individual at a time.” all Mississippians,” Brown said. “If we are going to future gifts on our commitment to public education. MTC participants receive teacher training and build a successful economy in Mississippi, we must “Nancy is very appreciative and happy about the certification, a full scholarship to UM for a master’s provide educational opportunities for everyone.” Loyal Ole Miss Supporter Leaves Lasting Gift ven though he was Mississippi Community College; Belhaven College; Jim also co-founded the Graeber Foundation, which Enot an Ole Miss French Camp Academy; Reformed Theological funded many of the scholarships he created. alumnus, Lewis Adolphus Seminary, in Jackson; and Delta Academy, in Marks. Besides supporting education, Graeber also gave Graeber Jr., of Marks, He also served on the boards of both French Camp to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, will be remembered as Academy and Belhaven College. Tenn., the Salvation Army, and other charitable orga- one of the University’s “He was the most giving man I’ve ever known,” nizations, many in Mississippi. He served as an biggest fans. He was said son and alumnus Clark Graeber. “He was a happy alderman for the city of Marks, was an elder in Marks a m e m b e r o f t h e giver. He said it was fun to give away money.” Presbyterian Church, and served on the boards of Chancellor’s Trust as Though he didn’t allow for fanfare over his gener- LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Delta well as the UM Loyalty osity, one of his greatest joys was receiving letters from Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, National Foundation, and he and the students who benefited from the scholarships he Propane Gas Association, Mississippi LP Gas his wife, Frances, who funded. “He never asked for any kind of recognition,” Association, Mississippi Safety Council, Mississippi Lewis A. Graeber Jr. graduated from UM Clark said. “But he especially appreciated notes from Economic Council and the Quitman County Planning in 1941, established a the kids.” Commission. scholarship in their names to assist students at the Graeber, who passed away in 2008, was educated In addition to Bill and Clark, their sister, Geri University. in his hometown’s public schools and at Southwestern Graeber Pitts, is also an Ole Miss graduate. Graeber’s “He loved to say he was Ole Miss’ biggest walk-on at Memphis (now Rhodes College). Except for the son Lewis graduated from Tulane University. alum,” said son Bill Graeber, a UM alumnus. “But four years he spent in the Navy during World War II, “We are grateful to Lewis Graeber and the what Dad cared most about was helping young people when he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, he lived in Graeber family for their generous support of the get a quality education.” Marks his entire life. University of Mississippi,” said UM Foundation presi- Graeber’s education-related philanthropic efforts He and his brother, James “Jim” Peyton Graeber, dent and CEO Wendell Weakley. “Mr. Graeber’s stretched across Mississippi, and included establishing founded Graeber Brothers Inc., in 1937, and Dixie generosity will continue to benefit Ole Miss students scholarships at Delta State University; Northwest Gas Inc., and farmed Caledonia Plantation. He and for many years to come.”

Spring 2009 7 academics

The School of Law Campaign: Profiles in Support Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes

runini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, founded by and other significant Mississippi companies. Among University of Mississippi. We anticipate that a signifi- BJohn B. Brunini over a century ago, began as a them are the nation’s largest privately held wireless cant number of attorneys we hire in the future will also small, collegial group of attorneys practicing law company, Mississippi’s largest health insurer, one of be graduates of the law school, and we are pleased to together. Today, Brunini has grown into one of the state’s largest banks and also one of its largest make this investment to assure that future students Mississippi’s largest and most respected law firms. health care systems. have faculty and facilities of the highest quality.” The Brunini law firm serves primarily business Walter S. Weems, chair of the Brunini firm, said, The Brunini law firm has offices in Jackson, Biloxi clients, including a number of Fortune 500 companies “A majority of our attorneys are graduates of the and Columbus. Bradley Arant

ounded in 1871, Bradley Arant is a client-driven tion to the School of Law Campaign. tions of lawyers,” she said. “We count among our Flaw firm. Maintaining offices in Birmingham, Margaret Oertling Cupples, managing partner of attorneys many graduates of the fine law schools of Huntsville, and Montgomery, Ala.; Charlotte, N.C.; the firm’s Jackson office, said the firm’s lawyers have a Mississippi and Alabama, and are pleased to be able to Washington, D.C.; and Jackson, the firm serves clients strong commitment to their communities and to the support those institutions. Educating the next genera- in numerous industries. improvement of society through the legal system. tion of lawyers, some of whom will eventually join our Bradley Arant generously supports a number of “As part of this commitment, we seek to identify firm, is one way in which we work to have a positive community organizations and recently made a dona- opportunities to make a difference to future genera- impact.”

Sons Honor Father With Gift to UM School of Law

rothers Hardy P. Graham to support the new School of Law building,” said Sam is a member of the Chancellor’s Trust and has made Band Newell Graham have Davis, dean of the school. “The Grahams are some of other significant donations to Ole Miss, including a pledged $250,000 to the our most outstanding graduates who have continued gift of $100,000, also in honor of his father, toward the School of Law in honor of their interest in Ole Miss over the years. The Hardy M. construction of the University’s indoor practice their father, Hardy M. Graham Library Special Collections Room is a fitting facility. Graham. All three Graham tribute and will serve our law students well for many “Ole Miss has always meant a lot to our family,” men are Ole Miss alumni. generations to come.” he said. “We all attribute our successes to the experi- The gift will be used to Upon graduation, Hardy M. Graham practiced ences we had at Ole Miss, the people we met and the Hardy M. Graham create the Hardy M. Graham law before the U.S. Court of Appeals, U.S. District education we received there. It just had a very positive Library Special Collections Court of Mississippi and the U.S. Supreme Court. impact on my life, my father’s life and my brother’s Room in the new law school facility, which is currently After working in Washington, D.C., as an attorney for life.” under construction on the Oxford campus. the Federal Trade Commission and serving in the A 1964 Ole Miss graduate, Hardy P. Graham also “My father was a major giver to Ole Miss over the Navy, Graham moved to Union City, Tenn., to become earned his master’s degree from UM in 1965 while years,” Hardy P. Graham said. “Newell and his wife, operating partner of the Union City Coca-Cola working as a graduate assistant teaching history. As an Bettie, and I decided this gift would be a nice way to Bottling Co. He was a partner in the company until his Ole Miss student, Graham was a member of the UM honor him. We felt since he was a lawyer and loved Ole death. basketball team and was awarded a Taylor Medal, an Miss that it would be very appropriate to expand on In 1984 the elder Graham was named Law award given annually to not more than one percent of his original gift and have the room named for him.” Alumnus of the Year at the School of Law; in 1989 he UM students for “meritorious scholarship and deport- The elder Graham, a Meridian native who was 94 received the Hall of Fame Distinguished Alumnus ment.” He is the president of Meridian Coca-Cola when he died last year, received both his bachelor’s and Award. Bottling Co. law degrees from Ole Miss in 1934. Following in his father’s footsteps, Hardy P. Newell Graham, who graduated from Ole Miss in “We are grateful for this generous gift from Hardy Graham is also a longtime supporter of the University. 1969, also served as a Navy officer and is the CEO of Graham and Newell Graham and their families He serves on the UM Foundation board of directors, Union City Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

8 FoundationNews Chancellor’strust

Established in 1975, the Chancellor’s Trust is used to address the University’s greatest needs and requires a minimum gift of $25,000. Alumni Couple Supports Chancellor’s Trust ecause of their love for the University and their Ole Miss. Many of their other gifts have supported Clarksdale, met at Ole Miss in 1975. They graduated Bbelief in its mission, UM alumni Neel and Pam athletics, and the White Construction Company was in 1978 with a BSN and a BBA, respectively. They White, of Austin, Texas, have made a gift to support contracted to build the indoor practice facility on the married six months later and relocated to Texas. In the Chancellor’s Trust. Oxford campus. 1981, Neel opened the Austin branch of the Ridgeland- The Whites said they wanted to give to the Pam, a Greenwood native, and Neel, from based White Construction Company. Today, he serves Chancellor’s Trust primarily because of the many posi- as CEO and co-owner with his brother, Guy. tive changes and vast improvements made to the The White family has a long tradition University under Chancellor Robert Khayat. with Ole Miss. Neel’s parents, brother and two “Chancellor Khayat has proved time and again to sisters all attended the University. Continuing be a master at forward thinking,” Neel White said. in that tradition is the White’s daughter, Kelly, “His latest vision of creating a residential college on who is currently a student. Their son, Charles campus will greatly enrich and enhance the experience Neel III, has grown up tailgating in the Grove of college life for many students. The chancellor is and has fond memories of Ole Miss on game never satisfied with the status quo. He is always one day. step ahead into the future and betterment of Ole Miss. It’s exciting to watch his innovative ideas come to frui- tion, but more importantly, it’s exciting to be a part of it.” “We are grateful to Neel and Pam White for their support of the University of Mississippi,” Chancellor Khayat said. The Whites are longtime supporters of Chancellor Robert Khayat with Pam and Neel White

Longtime UM Supporter Honors Chancellor With Gift

or retired Florida lawyer Jerry Center, Center received bachelor’s and master’s degrees FChancellor Robert Khayat embodies the spirit in business in 1964 and 1967 and a law degree in of Ole Miss. That’s why Center, along with his wife, 1972, all from Ole Miss. His first job after gradu- Susan, made a gift to UM to join the Chancellor’s ating from the School of Law was with Oxford law Trust and honor Khayat. firm Freeland and Gafford (now Freeland and Center and his family are longtime supporters Freeland). of Ole Miss. His many other gifts have supported “I also wanted to become a member of the the School of Law, and his mother, Mildred Hickey, Chancellor’s Trust because of what Ole Miss has a Baldwin native, established an Ole Miss Women’s given me,” Center said. “From the moment my Council scholarship in 2000. mother and dad dropped me off on the campus in “Robert Khayat has been a professor, classmate the fall of 1958 to today, I have nothing but fond Susan and Jerry Center and friend,” Center said. “He was one of the best memories of and feelings for the University. My teachers I’ve ever had. I consider him a dear friend. Khayat said. “We are most grateful for their parents were able to invest in scholarship programs And I think he’s the best chancellor Ole Miss has generous support. Jerry was an excellent student for students, and Susan and I are blessed to do the ever had. He’s done so much for the University to and quite involved in the life of the University. This same. I hope that the students who receive assis- make it a better place.” gift will serve to enrich the experience of the current tance will join the Ole Miss family and return part “The Center family is a true Ole Miss family,” generation of students.” of their success to future generations of students.”

Spring 2009 9 1848SOCIETY The 1848 Society The 1848 Society, established in 1998, the University’s 150th year, recognizes alumni and friends of the University of Mississippi who have either funded or planned a deferred gift, such as a bequest of a life income plan.

Alumnus Establishes Endowment for Student Life

’ve been away for over thirty opportunity to reach more of the academic achievement and responsible and engaged “Iyears now, and the best memo- student body. citizenry,” said Larry Ridgeway, vice chancellor for ries I have all revolve around the The Stephen P. Castleman Student Affairs. “We are most grateful for this generous friendships and relationships I made at En­dowment for Student Life will gift from Steve Castleman to enhance our student Ole Miss,” said alumnus Steve support projects and facilities manage- facilities.” Castleman, who lives in Birmingham, ment, including the student union and Castleman, who majored in geology, graduated Ala. “Those friendships have the Turner Center. from Ole Miss in 1984. He is founder and president of continued, and I’m still close with The Office of Student Affairs Spectrum Environmental Inc., an environmental many of the friends I made while I was supports the University’s academic consulting company in Birmingham. He and his wife, a student at Ole Miss. Now we have Erin and Steve Castleman mission through its commitment to the Amy, have three daughters, Emily, Erin and Elyse. So kids the same age, and our kids are total development of students. Student far Erin is the only family member who shares his love becoming friends, too.” Affairs oversees such offices as campus recreation, for Ole Miss. “She’s the only one that has seen the And so, in hopes of helping the bonds of friend- international programs, the career center and other light,” he laughed. “It’s because my wife went to ship continue to grow with each generation, Castleman departments that contribute to students’ physical, Auburn. There’s a family split. is leaving a $500,000 deferred gift to benefit Student occupational, social, intellectual, spiritual and “I’ve been blessed in my life and being able to pass Affairs at the University. emotional growth. on a blessing is something that drives me,” Castleman “I wanted to help impact as many students as I “Much of student learning takes place outside the said. “Ole Miss holds a special place and helped form could in giving this gift,” Castleman said. “By giving classroom, so we work hard to create and maintain an who I am. It was an easy decision when I was looking to Student Affairs, my hope is that it will have an environment that promotes leadership development, to give back—Ole Miss was near the top of my list.”

Business Professor Honors Parents With Endowment

he chair of the risk management and insurance for future decades, then fies Dr. Cox’s commitment to the Tprogram in the School of Business Administration private support is critical.” field of risk management and has honored his parents with an endowment to The fund will support insurance and to the University of support faculty in his department. and expand the program Mississippi. We are profoundly Larry Cox, who also holds the Robertson Chair of by enabling the recruit- grateful.” Insurance, has established the C. Robert and Ruth A. ment and retention of Before joining the Ole Miss Cox Endowment in Risk Management and Insurance outstanding faculty. family, Cox served on the faculties with a testamentary gift. “Dr. Larry Cox has of the University of Georgia and “My father spent most of his career in the life provided exceptional lead- New Mexico State University. insurance business, both of my children graduated ership for risk manage- Since he began teaching at Ole from Ole Miss—with my daughter earning her degree m e n t a n d i n s u r a n c e , Miss, the number of students in risk management and insurance—and I’ve taught building a legacy of majoring in risk management and here for over 13 years, so this place is very special to outstanding educational insurance has grown from 19 to our family,” Cox said. “I wanted to honor my parents opportunities for our Professor Larry Cox (left) with his mother, 122, and endowments supporting and also support the efforts of Steve Collins and students,” said Ken Cyree, Ruth Cox Pogue, and Chancellor Robert the program have increased nearly Robert Forster, members of our advisory board, who dean of the business Khayat sevenfold. He has served as presi- have been encouraging estate gifts by our board school. “Larry has shown tireless devotion through his dent of the Risk Theory Society, the American Risk members and alumni. If Ole Miss is to remain promi- service to the RMI program and to insurance profes- and Insurance Association, and the Southern Risk and nent in the field of risk management and insurance sionals throughout the region. This generous gift typi- Insurance Association.

10 FoundationNews 1848SOCIETY Alumnus Ensures Bright Future for UM School of Business

s an insurance cially important for those who work in the insurance “When I talked with Steve, he commented on the Ageneral agent, industry to give back to Ole Miss through insurance tremendous impact that Dr. Phil Malone had on him Steve Collins knows policies. when he was a student and how this impact continues just how important “We need to fund our insurance curriculum with to this day. It is through his generosity that we can planning for the insurance products,” Collins said. “It’s how we can continue our successes and build a legacy of f u t u r e c a n b e . perpetuate and enhance our success nationally. If every outstanding educational opportunities for our students T h a t ’s w h y h e insurance grad left a gift of life insurance then we through such inspiring faculty as Dr. Malone and c o m m i t t e d t o could significantly and permanently impact the Ole others.” helping the risk Miss program. It’s something I think every board In addition to his financial support, Collins serves management and member and graduate should do.” on the insurance advisory board and recently insurance program Collins’ gift will benefit the Jack W. and Gwenette completed a term as the board’s president. Though plan for its future P. Robertson Chair of Insurance. The Robertson Chair Collins is a native of Kingsville, Texas, and earned his by making a gift of is held by Larry Cox, who joined the Ole Miss faculty bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, he $200,000 in the in 1995. Since that time the number of insurance and considers Mississippi his home state. form of a life insur- risk management majors at Ole Miss has quadrupled “I owe a debt of gratitude to Ole Miss and Steve Collins ance policy. and the program has emerged as perhaps the fastest Mississippi for helping me with my success. That’s Collins, who growing in the nation. what motivated me to do this. I have made it my earned an MBA from Ole Miss in 1981 and owns “We sincerely appreciate his support of our mission to give back and to get others to do the same,” Collins Financial Network in Jackson, feels it’s espe- faculty,” said Ken Cyree, dean of the business school. he said.

Alumna Commemorates Parents With Scholarship

niversity of Mississippi alumna Daphine Denley giver to her four children, eight grandchildren and five UCraig has honored the memory of her parents great-grandchildren. Her father, John Barksdale with a scholarship in their names. Craig, a 1960 UM Denley Jr., a Paynes native, worked in his early years as Business Professor Honors Parents With Endowment graduate, created the Bernice Raggett and John a farmer and later joined the Navy, serving in the Barksdale Denley Jr. Scholarship with a generous gift Pacific theater in World War II. From 1968 until his and bequeathed a portion of her estate to the scholar- death, he was the manager of the Paynes Water ship. Association, a community water system. Craig’s “My parents’ dream was that their children siblings, Harriette Denley Faust, Joan Denley Sayle attend Ole Miss,” said Craig, an Olive Branch native. and John B. Denley III, attended UM in the “They would both be pleased to have their names 1960s. on a scholarship to make their dream The Denleys made their home in Paynes; a possible for other parents.” highlight for them was seeing the Rebels win “We are so thankful to Daphine Craig the 1956 Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. for choosing to honor her parents in this “Neither of my parents were high school way,” said Sandra Guest, vice president of graduates but they both had the dream for the Foundation. “Since the beginning of their children to attend college,” Craig said. the Foundation, over $30 million has “Because of their sacrifices, their encourage- been received from planned gifts and there ment and their love, my parents opened doors is over $47 million in future gifts pledged for their children through which they them- that we are aware of. Daphine’s gift and selves could not pass.” bequest adds to that and we are profoundly grateful.” Craig’s mother, Bernice Raggett, a New Daphine Denley Craig and Albany native, was a homemaker and care- Chancellor Robert Khayat

Spring 2009 11 1848SOCIETY Alumnus Continues Tradition of Giving

im and Mary Margaret Bennett, of Pearl, will where she earned her bachelor’s Jcontinue to fund the Faye Evans Bennett Ole Miss degree and he completed his First Scholarship through a bequest to the University. master’s degree in education. “We are most grateful for this generous gift from His teaching career took the the Bennett family,” said Wendell Weakley, president family from Amory to Pontotoc and CEO of the Foundation. “Planned giving is and then Jackson. extremely important to Ole Miss because it helps After Faye’s death, Jim secure the future of the University. A planned or later met Mary Margaret deferred gift is truly the gift of a lifetime and creates a Coman and the two married. permanent legacy.” The Bennett daughters are The Bennetts created the scholarship in 2002 to both UM graduates, with honor Jim’s first wife, who died in 1961. Their bequest Beverly Bennett Lee, of Dallas, will allocate funds from their estate to further grow the Texas, earning her bachelor’s scholarship, which helps deserving students attend degree in home economics and UM. Jeanne Bennett Brinson, of “Helping other people is part of the rent we pay Brandon, earning her bache- on our lives,” Jim Bennett, a Calhoun County native, lor’s degree in business admin- has said about the scholarship. istration. The tradition Chancellor Robert Khayat with Mary Margaret and Jim Bennett Jim met Faye while he was stationed with the continues with four grand- Naval Air Corps in Brunswick, Ga. After he was trans- daughters who are UM graduates. ferred to a facility near the nation’s capital, they Although he officially retired as a public school They have scores of stories and memories from their married and later had two daughters. When World administrator in 1985, Jim, along with Mary Margaret, mission experiences in Argentina, China and War II ended, Faye and Jim both enrolled at Ole Miss, has done volunteer mission work in his retirement. Mongolia.

Pharmacy Grad Pays It Forward

n his second year of pharmacy the Tigers), his heart and soul are in Marvin Wilson, associate dean for academic and Ischool at Ole Miss, Stan Oxford. student affairs and professor of pharmacology, encour- Williams remembers walking Williams returns often to aged Williams to apply for a competitive internship into Associate Dean Emeritus campus. He has served on the with Eli Lilly and Co. Out of 250 applicants, Williams Joe McCaskill’s office. Williams School of Pharmacy’s board of advi- got the job. After that summer Williams decided to go was paying his way through sors for 10 years. Williams has given into industry. school and had simply run out of to the Galen Order, which recog- “Ole Miss has a great faculty; they really care money. When he told McCaskill nizes donors of at least $5,000 to the about the students,” Williams said. “They go the extra about his situation, McCaskill pharmacy school over a 10-year mile and make themselves available for extra help. You pulled out his checkbook and period, every year since he gradu- really don’t see that at large universities.” wrote him a $200 check. ated. And as a recent show of Recently promoted as a director of sales for the “He said, ‘Son, you pay me support, he pledged a $1 million life central United States in Abbott Vascular’s Endovascular back when you can,’” Williams insurance policy to the School of Group, a division of Abbott Labs, Williams also has remembered. “I just can’t begin Pharmacy. “Hopefully they won’t worked for the American Heart Association, and to tell you how much that meant Stan and Carol Williams need it anytime soon,” Williams Quantum Health Resources. to me.” joked. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife, Though the initial loan was repaid long ago, “There are so many people that don’t look back Carol, a pediatric dietitian at Cook Children’s Williams has been working hard to give back. His love after graduation, and I have never really understood Hospital; daughter Maggie, 8; and son Jack, 5. Said for Ole Miss isn’t just lip service. Although the Gulf that,” Williams said. “I got a great education from Ole Williams, “Life is all about a strong family, good Coast native attended LSU (and, yes, he does cheer for Miss. It helped launch my career.” friends and never forgetting where you came from.”

12 FoundationNews academics Family Pays Tribute to Thomas Murphree Sr. With Gift

hen parents pass on a deeply held from Central High School in Jackson before Wbelief in the power of education and enrolling at Ole Miss. After graduation, he a steadfast devotion to a university, the belief served in the U.S. Army during World War and devotion tend to be continued and II. strengthened by their children. Thomas Murphree met his wife, That belief is the foundation for the Margaret, while they were both working for Thomas Martin Murphree Sr. Scholarship the Works Progress Administration, which Endowment, a newly created fund to support was created to help provide economic relief students pursuing degrees in the School of to citizens during the Great Depression. Business Administration. Creating the schol- They married in 1940 and had five chil- arship with a gift of $135,000 are the dren. Murphrees’ three sons: Robert S. Murphree, Before her death, Margaret Murphree of Jackson; Thomas M. Murphree Jr., of talked about rearing her children in an Summit; and Dennis H. Murphree, of San interview with the University. Antonio, Texas. “Education has always been very “Establishing this scholarship in important to us. When the children were Robert Murphree, with wife Melissa (center) and daughters Catherine memory of our father was a natural fit (left) and Caroline growing up, we came together at the dinner because he was such a proponent of people table three times a day for meals. Our family having access to quality education,” said Robert role models,” said UM Chancellor Robert Khayat. had very lively discussions around that dinner table. I Murphree, an attorney. “My mother, Margaret “Supporting the University through their involvement took the children to the public library every week. I Murphree, formed the idea for this scholarship before and attendance at campus events became a strong wanted them to have inquiring minds.” she died in 2008, and my brothers and I agreed it was family tradition—a tradition their children continue Three of the couple’s five children earned degrees the perfect way to pay tribute to our father’s life and today.” from Ole Miss, and now some of the 11 grandchildren values.” Thomas Murphree Sr. was a recognized business and six great-grandchildren are continuing the tradi- “Thomas and Margaret Murphree were inspiring professional in the insurance industry. He graduated tion by choosing Ole Miss as their college home.

For more information about the School of Business Administration, visit www.olemissbusiness.com

Spring 2009 13 women’scouncil Estates of Carl and Olivia Nabors Fund Multiple Initiatives

longtime University faculty member and his wife that they’ve designated funds to areas that need help.” athletics committee. He also met Olivia, a native of the Ahave left a final, transformative gift to the institu- Ole Miss alumni Will Lewis, brother of Olivia, town. They married in 1965 and lived in Oxford the tion they supported for decades. and Billy Bratton, nephew of Carl, oversaw the recent rest of their lives. More than $1 million was recently received from settlement of the couple’s estates (Olivia died in 2001 “Carl and Olivia Nabors were two of the most the estates of Carl and Olivia Nabors to support several and Carl five years later). ardent supporters of the University of Mississippi,” areas of the University: the University Museum, J.D. Olivia Nabors received a bachelor’s degree in said Jimmy Davis, former dean of the School of Williams Library, the basketball practice home economics from Ole Miss in 1951, and Carl, a Accountancy and currently H. Eugene Peery Chair of facility and two scholarship initia- World War II veteran, followed with bachelor’s and Accountancy and professor of accountancy at Ole tives, Ole Miss First and the Ole master’s degrees in accounting in 1952 and 1953. Miss. “He and Olivia attended most of the games in all Miss Women’s Council for Although “their paths never crossed as undergradu- sports, including games away. Philanthropy. ates,” their love for Ole Miss eventually drew them “Carl was an exceptional accountant, always orga- “When I think of Carl together, Billy Bratton said. nized, paying strict attention to detail, and was a gifted and Olivia Nabors, I think of After working for the accounting firm Peat, teacher,” Davis said. “His students appreciated his quiet, kind, generous people,” Marwick, Mitchell and Company in Memphis, Tenn., willingness to work with them on an individual basis, said Chancellor Robert Khayat for several years, Carl returned to his alma mater to enjoyed his sense of humor and respected him for his at a recent reception honoring the teach. In 1961 he embarked on a 30-plus-year career, interest in their employment and well-being in general. late couple and their family. “Everyone serving as associate professor of accounting, chair of He and Olivia loved to entertain and made a lasting at Ole Miss is grateful for the generous gifts made by the accounting department, acting dean of the School impact on my life and upon the many students who Carl and Olivia, and we wanted to celebrate the fact of Business Administration, and on the University’s were fortunate enough to know him.”

(From left) Chancellor Robert Khayat, Billy Bratton; Beatrice Bratton, sister of Carl Nabors; Patricia Lewis; Will Lewis

14 FoundationNews OleMissFirst

Ole Miss First was created by Chancellor Robert Khayat to Scholarship a Tribute to ensure that every deserving student who wishes to do so Mother and Sports Hall of may attend UM. Besides tuition, the program provides a mentor for each Ole Miss First scholar during his or her Fame Inductee Father tenure at the University. To learn more about Ole Miss First, visit www.olemissfirst.com. iana Day-Cartee said that creating the JoAnne and Eagle Day Ole Miss DFirst Scholarship is allowing her late father’s “mission on earth to live on” while also fulfilling one of her mother’s longtime desires. Named for Day-Cartee’s parents, the scholarship will provide a deserving young man or woman eight semesters of undergraduate education at Ole Miss. Gift Combines “Since his retirement from pro football, my father’s passion was working with inner-city kids to help them overcome their problems,” Day-Cartee said. Scholarships With “He stressed the importance of education to them day-in and day-out, and my Internships mother has always wanted to help someone attend Ole Miss. Both of my parents have always loved young people. They have encouraged many with their life enasant Bank has committed $100,000 to lessons urging others to be the best they can be. Mom and Dad are great exam- Rcreate a new type of scholarship for the UM ples that hard work and dedication do pay off School of Business Administration. in the end.” “Renasant Bank is proud to support the Eagle Day, who excelled at football and University of Mississippi through the Ole Miss baseball at UM, was inducted into the First scholarship fund and the Renasant Bank Fund Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1981, after for Business Excellence,” said E. Robinson “Robin” a career punting for the NFL’s Washington McGraw, Renasant Bank chairman and CEO. “This is Redskins and quarterbacking in the Canadian a tremendous opportunity to invest in and mentor Football League. Mississippi’s future business leaders, and we look forward to “Eagle and I both loved Ole Miss so helping our state’s best and brightest much,” said JoAnne Day, who lives in Jackson. learn the fundamentals needed for “He’d be thrilled to know about this, and I was successful business careers.” floored when I found out. This is absolutely Of the total amount, half will be used to create two wonderful.” Ole Miss First scholarships. The Renasant Bank Eagle Day Day-Cartee said that funding a scholarship Corporate Ole Miss First scholarships will also include for a deserving Ole Miss student was only fitting. “My parents met at Ole Miss, internship opportunities within the company. when my dad was playing football and my mom was a baton twirler with the “We are thrilled about the new corporate compo- band,” she said. “My parents had twins—my brother, William, and I—and we nent of the Ole Miss First scholarship program,” said both came to Ole Miss. He played football and I twirled with the band.” Denson Hollis, development officer for Ole Miss First. Day-Cartee earned her bachelor’s degree from UM in 1980. She now lives “Renasant Bank is the first to fund this type of scholar- in Nashville, Tenn., with her husband, Alan Cartee, and their daughter, Ali. In Robin McGraw ship and we are incredibly appreciative. It’s another addition to serving as CEO of DDC Investments, she is involved in several example of Renasant’s dedication to ensuring a bright community service organizations in Nashville, including the city’s Junior future for University of Mississippi students.” League, for which she is vice president of development. The Renasant Bank Corporate Ole Miss First scholarships will be awarded to Day-Cartee learned of Ole Miss First through the initiative’s newsletter, she full-time students pursuing degrees in banking and finance in the School of Business said. She asked Chancellor Robert Khayat to surprise her mother with the news Administration. of the JoAnne and Eagle Day Ole Miss First Scholarship as a Mother’s Day gift. The remainder of Renasant’s gift will be used to establish the Renasant Bank JoAnne Day will mentor the recipient of the scholarship. Fund for Business Excellence, which will assist the School of Business Administration “We are grateful for this gift from Diana Day-Cartee and for the gift of time with recruitment and retention of faculty, and will also create a general fund to that JoAnne Day will provide,” Khayat said. “Eagle was a legendary member of address the school’s greatest needs. the Ole Miss family and JoAnne and Diana continue to be wonderful ambas- “Faculty, staff and students of the School of Business are grateful for the sadors for Ole Miss. We are pleased that Diana has honored them in such a generous support of Renasant Bank,” said Ken Cyree, dean of the School of meaningful way.” Business. Renasant Bank is headquartered in Tupelo and has locations throughout Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama.

Spring 2009 15 momentum MomentUM Campaign Surpasses $200 million Goal

or the last decade, the University of Mississippi the Ole Miss family had given more than $240 million, venture,” said Glenn, of Memphis. “Momentum is an has experienced a surge in enrollment, growth exceeding not only the overall campaign total but appropriate word to describe the energy at Ole Miss.” Fin private funds, a revitalized campus and other benchmarks as well. unprecedented national recognition. MomentUM: A One of those benchmarks was to attract 10,000 Impact on the Campus Campaign for the University of Mississippi was first-time donors. More than 24,000 people who The Ole Miss family responded enthusiastically designed to continue that positive energy. contributed to MomentUM made their first gift to the to the MomentUM Campaign—contributing $46 Administrators imagined a capital campaign that University. Another benchmark was to enlist 100 new million to literally change the face of the Oxford and would allow alumni and friends to invest in new facil- donors at the $100,000 or higher level. Of the 355 Jackson campuses. So many needs will be met thanks to the work of the past four years. • The Inn at Ole Miss was expanded to create an eight-story hotel and conference center where alumni and friends can relax. • The new Robert C. Khayat School of Law building will open in 2010. • Renovations to Old Chemistry and Carrier and Anderson halls, as well as a part- nership with Toyota Motor Corp, will create the School of Engineering Complex and the Center for Manufacturing Excellence. • Construction of the new Pharmacy Practice Building will soon begin in Jackson. • The first residential college is nearing completion. • The FedEx Student-Athlete Academic Support Center was created, and new practice facilities for the football and basketball teams were built. In addition, an expansion to Oxford-University Stadium is nearly complete. Site of the Robert C. Khayat School of Law building, to be completed in 2010 “First impressions are important,” Khayat said. “A beautiful, modern campus is attractive and welcoming to both visitors and students.” ities, provide scholarship and faculty support and gifts at that level, 153 were from first-time donors. enhance the endowment. Grappling with budget cuts Lastly, the University sought to increase future gifts Impact on Faculty and and the current economic climate of uncertainty, the from the estates of donors. Nearly $23 million was Academics MomentUM Campaign came at an especially critical committed through planned and deferred giving, The MomentUM Campaign raised $8.8 million time. State funding as a percentage of total operating providing Ole Miss with a source of funds many years to fund faculty fellowships, chairs and professorships revenues for the University has decreased dramatically, into the future. on the main campus. falling from 35 percent to just 22 percent in the last Other family members also stepped up to demon- “Attracting and retaining the best possible faculty decade. As a result, UM is relying on private support strate their affection. Faculty, staff and retirees, many is critical to our success and the success of our now more than ever. of whom have allegiances to their own alma maters, students,” said Provost Morris Stocks. “Since the “Private funding helps us provide the margin of gave more than $8 million to the campaign. strength of a great university resides in its faculty, excellence we are relentlessly pursuing,” Chancellor Alumni Mike Glenn, Sam and Mary Donnelly supporting them is a major priority for the University Robert Khayat said. “The support of those who care Haskell and Deuce McAllister served as co-chairs of of Mississippi.” deeply about Ole Miss has transformed this univer- the campaign. Besides endowing faculty positions, campaign sity.” “I’ve seen firsthand the enthusiasm that’s gener- funds have helped create and support the Center for When the campaign ended in December 2008, ated when an institution takes off on an exciting new Teaching and Learning Excellence, the Center for

16 FoundationNews momentum MomentUM Campaign Surpasses $200 million Goal

Mathematics and Science Education, the Center for Literacy Education and the J.D. Williams Library’s Information Commons. Impact on Students Donors provided $44.8 million in scholarship funds for Oxford students since the beginning of the MomentUM Campaign. Alumni (left to right) Mike Glenn, Mary Donnelly Haskell, Sam Haskell and Deuce McAllister served as The funds have helped students through such co-chairs of the MomentUM Campaign programs as Ole Miss First, the Ole Miss Women’s Council and Lott Leadership Scholarships, all of for more than 20 years,” said Neely Lott Metcalf, a which provide mentoring, service learning and leader- 2005 graduate and Luckyday Scholarship recipient. ship development in addition to tuition assistance. “Had I not received the Luckyday Scholarship, I MomentUM Totals Other private scholarship support, which includes would have been attending a community college near Total gifts: $240 million funding from the Luckyday Foundation, the E.H. home. I would not trade my Ole Miss experience for Sumners Foundation, the Hearin Foundation and the the world. The friendships, organizations and courses Oxford Campus Barksdale family, are designed to help students leave were so memorable and enjoyable that I know I would • Facilities support: $39 million Ole Miss without heavy debt burdens, or help students not have been able to have such a high-caliber experi- • Faculty and academics: $8.8 million who would not otherwise be able to realize their ence anywhere else.” dreams of an education. •Scholarships: $44.8 million “My mother had been a stay-at-home mom for Impact on the Medical Center •School and program support: more than 20 years, and my father worked at a factory The University of Mississippi Medical Center $97.4 million campus in Jackson exceeded its Medical Center Campus: $50 million goal, raising more than $7 million Planned and deferred gifts: for facilities, more than $30 $23 million million for faculty support and Gifts from faculty and staff: $11 million for scholarships. The $8 million funds are creating endowed chairs and professorships; establishing the University Heart Center, a Center for Bioethics and Medical he took care of students, but it expanded to employees, Humanities, and a Cancer faculty, alumni and friends. They genuinely felt he Institute; and supporting renova- cares about them, and that set the stage for lots of tions of the Blair E. Batson people to be invested in his vision. I think that’s a real Hospital for Children. rarity in a leader.” During his 14-year tenure, Khayat, who will retire *** In the end, the Ole Miss in June 2009, garnered more than $827 million in family rallied around Khayat and private contributions, which allowed the university to his vision for the University of achieve its many wide-ranging goals. Mississippi to make the “Robert Khayat enables people to believe in MomentUM Campaign a success. themselves and what they’re doing,” said Gloria “He wants to make things Kellum, UM’s vice chancellor for university relations better for people,” said Carolyn since 1998. “Because of that, Ole Miss became ‘the Ellis Staton, who retired as UM little engine that could,’ and we accomplished things Thanks to the MomentUM Campaign, the Inn at Ole Miss was provost in 2008 and serves as that faculty, staff, students and alumni believed impos- expanded to an eight-story hotel and conference center special assistant to the chancellor. sible only a decade or two ago. He inspired all of us to “That first took shape in the way come together to build a great public university.”

Spring 2009 17 innovativegiving Houston, Texas, Foundation Supports Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, Ole Miss First

or James “Joc” Carpenter, Dan Jones, vice chancellor Fhelping make possible a $1.5 for health affairs and dean of the million gift to the University was School of Medicine, said, “We are a little bit like playing Santa grateful to the Madison Claus. Foundation for their support of Carpenter, an Ole Miss the Blair E. Batson Hospital for alumnus who lives in Port Children. We appreciate the Gibson, serves on the board of thoughtful consideration of the the Madison Charitable trustees, especially Joc Carpenter. Foundation, a private organiza- This gift provides the margin of tion created and funded by his excellence we need to meet the longtime friend Wiley Hatcher, Leigh Anne and Joc Carpenter needs of Mississippi’s children.” of Houston, Texas. Carpenter feels it’s rewarding and ideas. I felt an immediate kindred spirit with these “He said he wanted to help people in need,” to be involved with the Madison Foundation, espe- special friends. The Madison Foundation’s generous Carpenter said. “That was the instruction. It was that cially after touring the hospital. “It makes you realize donation to our children’s hospital will greatly enhance simple.” how many giving people there are in this world,” he the quality of medical care of the sick and injured chil- Of the total gift from the Madison Foundation, said. dren of our state.” $1 million will help support the renovation of the We are supporting several organizations in The Madison Foundation Ole Miss First pediatric emergency department at Mississippi’s only Mississippi,” he added. “It’s a lot of fun. We’re not Endowment will provide two Ole Miss First scholar- children’s hospital, the Blair E. Batson Hospital for looking for publicity or recognition. We just want to ships that will be awarded in perpetuity. Ole Miss First Children, part of the UM Medical Center in Jackson. help.” is a unique scholarship program that includes a The remaining $500,000 will create the Madison Suzan Thames, chairman of the board of Friends mentorship component. Madison Foundation Foundation Ole Miss First Endowment. of Children’s Hospital, greatly appreciates that help. “I Scholars will be full-time freshmen who are Mississippi “It is clear that the Madison Foundation has a had the opportunity to meet with Joc and Leigh Anne residents. sincere desire to help people in need,” Chancellor for a tour of the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children,” Hatcher, the man behind the Madison Robert Khayat said. “We are grateful for this gift and she said. “Both their personal dedication and financial Foundation, is a Mississippi native who lived in Port for the dedication and support of all those involved commitment to improving the quality of life of chil- Gibson for more than 25 years before relocating to with the organization, especially Joc Carpenter. This dren in Mississippi was most evident in their caring Houston, where he developed a pipeline engineering gift will help us improve trauma care for children and and sharing of information company, which he recently sold. The proceeds from provide scholarships for deserving students.” the sale are funding his charitable foundation. “He wanted the money to be put to work now,” Carpenter said. “He wanted to be able to see it help people right away.” Perhaps inspired by Hatcher, Carpenter and his wife, Leigh Anne, also an Ole Miss graduate, recently seeded the John Edward Ainsworth Ole Miss First Scholarship. The scholarship honors Carpenter’s cousin, who graduated from the University in 1959 and died in 1998. “He was a devoted Ole Miss fan and loved Ole Miss,” Carpenter said. “He’d be tickled about it. It would make him smile.” Besides the John Edward Ainsworth Ole Miss First Scholarship, the Carpenters, longtime Ole Miss Batson Hospital patient Ja-Marcus Martin (left) will benefit from the supporters, also recently made their own gift to Madison Foundation’s gift support the Batson Hospital.

18 FoundationNews innovativegiving Estate Endows Liberal Arts, Medical Scholarships

lumnus Clarence Thomas Hill Jr.’s hunger for he met his wife, Dorothy Palmer Landrum, a Ponca Aknowledge and dedication to education continues City native. The couple married in 1945. through a bequest of $1.4 million for University schol- Hill’s work at the private flight school in Ponca arships. City led to a job training pilots for Great Britain’s Hill’s nephew, Julian Hill Jr., an oncologist in Royal Air Force. He was given a commission with the Tupelo, remembers his uncle as a man who valued RAF and flew transports between Africa and England, education. “He thought of his life as a lifelong educa- and England and the U.S. Part of his job was trans- tional project,” the younger Hill said. “He had a porting the wounded, which piqued his interest in tremendous personal library. We could have conversa- medicine. tions on just about anything.” After the war, he and Dorothy moved to New The money from Hill’s estate will establish the York City, where he worked as a pilot for American Dorothy Palmer Landrum and C. Thomas Hill Jr., Airlines. After one particularly rough landing in snow Dorothy and C. Thomas Hill Jr. M.D., Endowment, which will create scholarship and ice at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Hill vowed to his opportunities for Ole Miss students in both the Medical students will have the opportunity to choose brother, Julian Hill Sr., that he would never fly again. College of Liberal Arts and the Medical Center, in a practice type and location with less burden of finan- He came to Oxford, where his brother was already a Jackson. cial debt. And communities in Mississippi will benefit student, to begin his medical education. “Scholarships remain a priority for the University from having well-trained physicians to provide Hill earned a medical certificate from UM in and the College of Liberal Arts as we continue to compassionate care.” 1951, and took his medical degree from the University attract and retain the highest caliber students,” said A native of Corinth, Hill was born in 1919. It was of Tennessee in 1952. He was a fellow in radiology and Glenn Hopkins, dean of the College. “We are grateful his lifelong dream to become a pilot, and in 1940 he nuclear medicine at the University of Texas for this gift.” entered the Army Air Corps and earned his wings. Southwestern School of Medicine. He practiced radi- Dan Jones, vice chancellor for health affairs and When he had to leave the Army a year later due to ology in Clovis, New Mexico, until he retired and dean of the School of Medicine echoed Hopkins’ senti- medical complications, Hill took a job as a private returned to Ponca City with his wife after she fell ill. ments. “Lives will be changed through this gift. flight instructor in Ponca City, Okla. It was there that He died in 2007 at age 87.

Ventress Hall, home of the College of Liberal Arts

Spring 2009 19 universitymedicalcenter Bancroft Fund’s Gift Transforms Children’s Hospital

ealth care for the state’s most critically Additionally, two Hill and injured children will be greatly centrally-located enhanced through a $2.5 million pledge from nurses’ stations the Joseph C. Bancroft Charitable and will be replaced Educational Fund to the Blair E. Batson w i t h s e v e r a l Hospital for Children. The money will fund smaller stations the renovation of the only pediatric intensive located between care unit in the state. t w o r o o m s , “This extraordinary gift from the allowing nurses to Bancroft Fund will transform our ability to observe patients at provide state-of-the-art intensive care for all times. Mississippi’s children by almost doubling our Design plans also enhance the hospital’s family- capacity,” said Dan Jones, vice chancellor for Gerald M. Abdalla (left) talks about a $2.5 million pledge centered care environment by increasing the number health affairs and dean of the School of for the renovation of the pediatric intensive care unit at the of rooms in which parents can stay overnight with Medicine. “It will allow us to care for children Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson as Dan Jones their children. Further changes involve creating a looks on from all over our state in the most techno- larger waiting room and designating private areas for logically advanced and family-centered facili- floors. In the last year, the unit averaged approximately family consultations. ties.” 150 admissions per month and occasionally experi- “Batson Hospital is a critical resource for the Originally built in 1997, Batson Hospital’s PICU enced bed shortages. health care of children in our state,” said Gerald M. currently has 16 intensive care beds and 14 transitional Renovation plans for the unit include moving the Abdalla, director of the Bancroft Fund. “We consider beds designated for less critically ill patients not well transitional care beds to another floor in the hospital, this to be a project to benefit the children of enough to transfer to one of the general pediatric dedicating 28 beds exclusively to intensive care. Mississippi.” Alumnus Celebrates Physician Friend’s Life With Gift

lumnus James M. Brock has made a planned gift “We are grateful for the support from Dr. Brock,” Ato the Arthur C. Guyton Research Center at the said Dan Jones, vice chancellor for health affairs and UM Medical Center. Brock and Guyton were friends dean of the School of Medicine, adding that the gift and classmates at Ole Miss and later roommates at Enterprise-Journal “allows us to add to the Guyton legacy with continued Harvard Medical School. research excellence.” “Arthur Guyton was an outstanding individual,” Brock’s gift is a charitable remainder annuity, Brock said. “He was a great guy and I feel privileged to which allows for annuity payments to the donor for have known him and to have called him a friend. life, and provides significant tax benefits. That’s why I wanted to make a gift to Ole Miss in his Photo courtesy of McComb Brock, a McComb native, left Harvard Medical name.” School before finishing his degree due to rheumatic Brock, who earned a bachelor’s degree in 1941 fever. After a lengthy recovery, Brock earned his and a medical certificate in 1942, both from UM, said medical degree from Tulane University and did his of Guyton, “He was so intelligent and industrious. He Sandra Guest, vice president of the UM dermatological training at Tulane and Louisiana State Foundation, with James Brock was working on the motorized wheelchair at the time University. He opened the Brock Skin Clinic in we were in school.” eye, ear, nose and throat specialist, was also dean of the McComb 60 years ago and still practices there six days Guyton, an Oxford native, is credited with the two-year medical school, then located on the Oxford a week. invention of the electric wheelchair. He also broke campus. Four of Brock’s five children earned degrees from ground in hypertension research and wrote the The Guyton Research Center houses the depart- Ole Miss. His son James Brock Jr. is a medical doctor. Textbook of Medical Physiology, still used in physiology ment of physiology and biophysics, the Center for Brock also plays trombone in Dr. Jim’s One More classrooms. Guyton chaired the department of physi- Excellence in Cardiovascular-Renal Research and Time Band and in a New Orleans-based jazz trio. He ology and biophysics at the medical school for 34 researchers in other fields, including cancer, obesity fell in love with playing jazz when he played in the Ole years. He died in 2003. His father, Billy S. Guyton, an and metabolic diseases. Miss dance band, the Mississippians.

20 FoundationNews universitymedicalcenter Barksdale Foundation Extends Current Scholarship Funding

he Barksdale family will continue to fund full- encourage highly qualified “The Barksdale scholarship Tticket scholarships to medical students at the African-American medical has enabled me to concentrate on Medical Center. students to stay in Mississippi for my studies and focus on becoming The Bryan Barksdale, M.D., Scholarship, the their medical training. The the best doctor possible without Fred McDonnell, M.D., Scholarship and the Don Barksdales named the scholar- worrying about financial difficul- Mitchell, M.D., Scholarship will be extended to ships in honor of the physicians ties, present or future,” she said, attract more students to the Medical Center, according in their family: Dr. Bryan adding that she feels thrilled to to David Barksdale, director of the Barksdale Barksdale and Dr. Don Mitchell, know she’ll be able to serve Foundation. both of Jackson, and Dr. Fred Mississippi and its people. “Mr. (James) Barksdale has again made a commit- McDonnell, of Hazlehurst. The Barksdale Foundation has ment to funding scholarships that will change the lives “Our family is delighted also provided funds to establish the of individuals; strengthen our School of Medicine by with the quality of students the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors allowing us to recruit the brightest and by allowing us Medical Center is attracting with College at the University of to continue to improve our diversity; and change the these scholarships,” David Mississippi and established the lives of many Mississippians when these health profes- Barksdale said. “We have met statewide Barksdale Reading sionals complete their training and begin their prac- many of the scholarship recipi- Institute to promote literacy. tices in Mississippi communities,” said Dan Jones, vice ents and are following their “I am grateful to Mr. and Mrs. chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of successful careers with interest.” Barksdale scholars Katreece Ellis Barksdale for the commitment of Medicine. Barksdale scholar Katreece and Dustin Markle examine tissue their resources that allow all of us to The scholarships were created in 1999 with a $2 Ellis said she is grateful for her specimens in a histology lab move forward together,” Jones million gift from James and Sally Barksdale to scholarship. said.

Greek Council, Tri Deltas Help Children’s Hospital

he University of “ W e a r e for the children of our state.” TMississippi Greek absolutely so The funds given by the Tri Deltas were raised at Council has contrib- excited about the Delta Delta Delta Pancakes for Kids event held last uted to the Friends of this,” said Suzan fall. the Children’s Hospital, Thames, chair “We wanted to do something to benefit our the nonprofit organiza- of the Friends state,” said Elizabeth McRight, president of the tion created to benefit of the Children’s sorority and a Greenville native. “This is the first time t h e B l a i r E . B a t s o n Hospital’s board. our sorority has given to the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital for Children at “So few people Hospital, but I know it won’t be the last. This is some- the UM Medical Center realize that the thing our girls are really proud of.” in Jackson. The Greek Blair E. Batson Thomas “Sparky” Reardon, dean of students, Council is composed Children’s commended the students for their generosity and of the presidents of Hospital is desire to positively represent the entire UM Greek the 32 Greek organi- the only chil- community. zations on the Oxford dren’s hospital “These students are scholars and leaders who Greek Council members present a check to Suzan c a m p u s a n d l e a d e r s Thames, chair of the board of the Friends of the in the state of believe in giving to others,” Reardon said. “Ole Miss of the Interfraternity, Children’s Hospital Mississippi,­ Greeks provide support and services for agencies, orga- Panhellenic and National treating such nizations and individuals. These gifts to benefit the Panhellenic councils. Its members decide the amounts diseases as cancer, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell Batson Hospital are especially meaningful since the and beneficiaries of the gifts. anemia and numerous other childhood illnesses. These funds will be used to help the children of Mississippi. In addition, the UM chapter of the Delta Delta are wonderful and generous gifts from the Greek This is an outstanding achievement and we, as a Delta sorority has given to the Children’s Cancer students at the University of Mississippi. I can’t tell you university, appreciate and applaud their efforts and Clinic at the Batson Hospital. how much we appreciate everything they have done generosity.”

Spring 2009 21 universitymedicalcenter Longtime UMMC Nurse Establishes Scholarship

ess Blackwell’s mother who are preparing for a Blackwell is an excellent role model for nurses. Bw a s a p r i v a t e d u t y nursing career. “She has been a strong supporter of the UMMC licensed practical nurse, and Two scholarships School of Nursing. Having a scholarship in her name watching her mother’s love for will be issued each year will help the School further its goal of encouraging her profession inspired to students seeking an nurses from diverse backgrounds into the profession. Blackwell to become a nurse as undergraduate nursing Bess’ legacy will continue for many years to come,” she well. Blackwell’s 33-year career degree. said. at the University Medical “When I thought Blackwell, who graduated in 1976, said nursing Center ended this year with about this scholarship, I school was difficult but her mother encouraged her. her retirement, but her drive was very blessed to have “You don’t go into nursing for the money or hours. to inspire others to enter the my mother pay my You do it because you love people. You’ve got to be a nursing profession continues. tuition. I know of other patient’s advocate,” she said. To that end she estab- people who were not as Blackwell hopes her contribution will encourage lished the Bess Crawley blessed to have parents more people to enter the nursing profession, particu- Blackwell Scholarship to pay for school, and at larly as the nursing shortage continues to impact the Bess Blackwell Endowment in Nursing. The least I can give back to health care industry: “I wanted to do what I could to purpose of the endowment is those people and the assist them in meeting their goals of becoming a to provide scholarships to promote excellence among profession of nursing,” she said. nurse,” she said. “I hope to continue to be a role model nursing students and to help ethnic minority students Kaye Bender, dean of the School of Nursing, said to help them live out their passion.”

Scholarship Supports Graduate Nursing student’s financial need and an untimely family would do after they received that scholarship and Adeath led Janet Harris to think about how to completed their graduate education. It is a small way leave a legacy and impact her profession’s future. I can contribute to my alma mater and the overall Harris, chief nursing executive at University profession of nursing.” Hospital, mentored a graduate student in the Kaye Bender, School of Nursing dean, noted: nursing executive track who was a single mother and “There’s limited scholarship money available for needed help continuing her education. The student graduate nursing education, so when one of our raised her awareness of the financial need of adults alumni steps up to the plate and helps a fellow nurse, who work full time and have families. Concurrently, it helps the whole profession.” Bender added that the unexpected death of her only niece’s husband having Harris’ name on the scholarship “encourages forced her to take stock of how finite life is. these recipients to follow in her footsteps.” “It prompted a discussion with my husband Helen Watts said her advisor recommended about what we wanted when one of us dies,” she that she apply for the scholarship. Janet Harris, right, presents a scholarship to nursing student Helen Watts said. “The result of that conversation highlighted “It was a great honor to be considered for the what my true passions are.” scholarship, and I have since gone into working in advancement of nursing, because the needs are The establishment of the Janet Y. Harris the Mississippi Department of Education as the great. Scholarship in the School of Nursing at the Medical state school nurse consultant,” Watts said. “I’m “If every person that’s an alumnus gave $10 or Center will provide money to fuel her passion of really excited to be in a position where I can help $15 every year, we would make a significant differ- training nurse professionals. school nurses to be ready for their jobs.” ence to students,” she said. “The bottom line is, I “I didn’t want to wait until I die to do this,” Harris said she encourages every UM Nursing got a great education here, and the very least thing I Harris said. “I wanted to watch what these people graduate to consider how they can contribute to the can do is give back to my alma mater.”

22 FoundationNews academics

Scholarship Honors Family’s Four Generations at UM

o honor her father’s lifelong dedication to Ole Engineering, a program that has played a large role in TMiss and a family commitment that has her family’s life. After her father earned his degree in spanned four generations, Ann H. Gresham of civil engineering in 1917, his son, George P. Hopkins Indianola has given $100,000 to establish the George Jr., a 1950 graduate, and great-grandson, George P. P. Hopkins Engineering Scholarship Endowment. Hopkins IV, a 2008 graduate, also earned engi- Scholarship recipients will be full-time freshmen neering degrees. Another of Hopkins’ great-grand- who are pursuing a degree in engineering. Students sons, Michael Gresham, is currently enrolled in the from Sunflower County, where Indianola is located, engineering school. and Harrison County, where Hopkins’ hometown of “We are big Rebel fans,” said Ann Gresham, Gulfport is located, will be given first preference. who also attended Ole Miss. “I mainly wanted this “The School of Engineering is deeply grateful scholarship to be in memory of my father and to for this gift from Ann Gresham,” said Kai Fong Lee, recognize his sons and grandsons who have pursued dean of the engineering school. “The amount of civil engineering. I just hope it will help smart, young scholarship we can offer a student is an important engineers to go out into the world and be better citi- factor in the student’s decision of which university to zens.” attend. We have been blessed with the generosity of Hopkins, who died in 1964, was an avid many donors and the Hopkins Scholarship will follower of Ole Miss athletics, and he enjoyed enhance the school’s competitiveness in attracting attending football and baseball games most. He was outstanding students to the University of George P. Hopkins the founder of Gulfport-based George P. Hopkins Mississippi.” Inc., a contracting and engineering company still in Gresham said she hopes the scholarship helps the Hopkins family. send deserving students through the UM School of

Gift Finishes Tech Space in Williams Library

hanks to a recent gift of $100,000, the final phase Upton said. Tof the Information Commons, a new technology- The funds were used to help driven lounge and study space in the Williams Library, purchase furniture that made the has been completed. commons area open and fully func- “We are incredibly excited about the completion tional. of this much needed new space for our students and Stan Whitehorn, operations other library patrons,” said Julia Rholes, dean of manager, said he is grateful for the libraries. “There is a vast universe of materials now support. available in digital formats and, thanks to this generous “For the past 10 years, there has gift, our students will be able to access them. The state- been a movement in the library of-the-art technology and cozy spaces will make community to have an information studying and conducting research in the Information commons,” Whitehorn said. “More Commons a pleasure.” students are sticking around in here to The donor of the gift wishes to remain anony- study, and we’re here to make that expe- mous, but according to Michael Upton, development rience better.” officer for University Libraries, the need for the The Information Commons commons was widely known around campus. includes three group study areas, 43 “We received this generous gift from a faculty new computer stations, comfortable member who was aware of the project and felt it was a new furniture and an updated copy and great opportunity to serve the students and University,” print station. The J.D. Williams Library, home of the new Information Commons

Spring 2009 23 academics Lectureship Grows Into Professorship

ig Four accounting firm KPMG LLP has estab- granted the Patterson School “Premier” status. This doctoral programs are all ranked among the top 30 in Blished the KPMG Professorship in Accountancy KPMG designation is given to just 40 schools nation- the nation, and KPMG’s support will enable us to at Ole Miss. wide for placing high-achieving students in KPMG continue our tremendous success. We have a great In 2002 several KPMG partners established a International’s member firm offices. partnership with KPMG. We are especially grateful to lectureship in accountancy, which required a $250,000 “We are especially grateful to KPMG for this our alumni with the firm, not only for their financial commitment. Now KPMG partners and other generous gift to the Patterson School of Accountancy,” support, but also for hiring our students and enabling employees have committed to growing the fund to said Wendell Weakley, president and CEO of the UM us to achieve ‘Premier’ school status.” over $500,000 to fund a full professorship. Foundation. “KPMG is a longtime supporter of the Wilder, who has taught at UM since 1993, is a “We understand the goals and objectives of the Patterson School and many of our graduates go on to certified public accountant whose primary teaching Patterson School of Accountancy and we’re happy to rewarding careers with the firm. Clearly KPMG is has been in financial accounting. He has conducted step it up and continue our support,” said Matt Lusco, committed to helping provide our students with the research in a wide variety of areas, including earnings a UM alumnus and the managing partner in the best accounting education possible.” forecasting, financial reporting and issues facing the Memphis, Tenn., and Birmingham, Ala., KPMG The current holder of the KPMG Professorship is profession. offices. “We benefit a lot from the outstanding talent Mark Wilder, who also serves as dean of the Patterson Wilder is actively involved in University and that’s available to us and we hire a number of Ole Miss School. Professorships, endowed chairs and other professional service, including a term as president of graduates in many of our offices around the country. esteemed positions are usually held by faculty members the Northeast Chapter of the Mississippi Society of We’re proud of our partnership with the Patterson whose accomplishments indicate national and interna- CPAs. He recently completed a two-year term on the School and hope to keep growing this position until it tional leadership in their field. MSCPA board of governors. In 2005 he received the reaches the endowed chair level.” “I am honored to hold the KPMG Professorship,” Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher Award, the In addition to their financial support, KPMG has Wilder said. “Our undergraduate, graduate and highest honor for faculty at Ole Miss.

Kellogg Foundation Funds William Winter Institute

romoting dialogue and community dialogue and community building. Pbuilding around improved race rela- Community leaders from around the tions throughout Mississippi is the goal state will receive training in a series of of the Welcome Table: An Era of three retreats and then be supported in Dialogue on Race, an initiative of the their local work. William Winter Institute for Racial “We have heard from across the Reconciliation at UM. state that Mississippians are interested The project is funded in part by a in talking about race more honestly but $250,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg do not know how,” said Susan Glisson, Foundation of Battle Creek, Mich. executive director of the Winter “We are delighted to partner with Institute. “The Welcome Table project the William Winter Institute around the is one tool to help initiate frank but civil Susan Glisson (far left) executive director of the Winter Institute, and Gov. Welcome Table initiative,” said Alice dialogue.” William Winter (fourth from left) with Winter Institute staff and volunteers Warner-Mehlhorn, a Kellogg Established in 1930, the W.K. Foundation program director. “We Mississippi to embrace the Welcome Table. Kellogg Foundation supports children, support the work that the Institute is doing to address Leroy Clemons, chair of the Philadelphia families and communities as they strengthen and the healing of race relationships in Mississippi commu- Coalition, says that dialogue projects in his commu- create conditions that propel vulnerable children to nities and strongly believe that, when people are nity have significantly improved race relations. achieve success as individuals and as contributors to provided with the necessary tools, they gain the “When an issue arises in the community, through the larger community and society. Grants are concen- capacity to make significant change.” open dialogue we can defuse tensions long before they trated in the United States, Latin America and the Since its inception in 2006, the Welcome Table get to the point of critical mass, because the commu- Caribbean and southern Africa. effort has implemented outreach programs throughout nity feels they can discuss the incident openly, and that Besides the Kellogg Foundation, the Hearin Mississippi. One such program is the Philadelphia wouldn’t have happened in the past,” Clemons said. Foundation and the Fetzer Institute have also made Coalition in Neshoba County, one of the first areas in The Welcome Table will create a safe space for gifts to support the Welcome Table project.

24 FoundationNews academics Alumna Creates Women’s Excellence Endowment

hen alumna Donna Ruth ships. In 2001 she created the giving,” Roberts said. “He didn’t have the chance to get WRoberts moved back to Donna Ruth Else Roberts an education and so he felt like everyone that wanted Oxford eight years ago, she knew she C o u n c i l S c h o l a r s h i p to should have the opportunity to do so.” The Charles was home to stay. Roberts, who grad- Endowment for UM students Else School of Management at Millsaps College in uated from Ole Miss in 1965, grew pursuing a degree in business. Jackson is named for him. up in Yazoo City and lived much of “We are so grateful to “I would go with him to events at Millsaps and I her life in Memphis, Tenn. But no Donna Ruth Roberts for saw how much his money helped the school and matter her whereabouts, her love donating not only her finan- helped the students,” Roberts said. “And so when I had for Ole Miss was always with her. cial resources to the business the opportunity to do the same for Ole Miss, I was That’s why she created the Donna school, but also for being so following my dad’s role model.” Ruth Roberts Business Women’s giving of her time,” said Ken It’s a model Roberts hopes others will follow. Excellence Endowment with a gift of Cyree, dean of the business “Alumni that come back get to enjoy the school, $250,000 to support the UM School school. “Her involvement are able to enjoy the football games, all of the of Business Administration. with our students, the business wonderful political debates and all of the things Ole “I truly love Ole Miss,” Roberts advisory board and the faculty Miss makes possible for us to participate in,” she said. said. “It’s great to get involved with has been amazing and “We get a lot from it and we should give back to it.” the University. It’s something that inspiring. Roberts also supports the Oxford Film Festival keeps you going.” Donna Ruth Roberts Roberts, who stresses the and serves on the executive board for the Republican Roberts stays involved with the importance of knowing the Party. Last year she served as Gov. Haley Barbour’s business school by serving on its board, mentoring basics about economics and finance comes from a phil- local campaign chair and as Sen. Thad Cochran’s local students, judging competitions and funding scholar- anthropic family. “My dad got me interested in campaign chair.

Accounting Firm Supports Patterson School

ackson-based accounting firm Horne LLP has the Patterson School’s greatest needs, which include partner in charge and board member, agreed: “Ole Jcreated the Horne LLP Accountancy Excellence scholarships and faculty support, among other Miss has achieved excellence today because of its Endowment at the University of Mississippi with a areas. great family of people. Achieving and growing excel- gift of $100,000. The endowment will support the “We are grateful for Horne’s support as well as lence requires significant investments in facilities, Patterson School of Accountancy, which has a long- the time they give to our students,” said Mark faculty and critical resources. Thus it requires standing partnership with Horne. Wilder, dean of the Patterson School. “Horne is a everyone to do their part.” “We have more than 40 Ole Miss graduates longtime supporter of the Patterson School and is Giving back is also a top priority for Stearns, a working at Horne and have more starting in the committed to helping provide our students with the 2005 graduate and Horne senior associate. “The next few months,” said Ron Applewhite, a Horne best accounting education.” opportunities I was given at Ole Miss were made partner who earned his accountancy degree from Horne team members and UM alumni Terry possible by the generous donations from alumni and UM in 1975. “We all agreed that we have benefited Traylor, Joey Havens and Ginny Stearns have also friends of the University,” she said. “I wanted to do personally and financially from our relationship made contributions to the endowment. my part to make sure current students were given with Ole Miss and the Patterson School of “The Patterson School provided me with the the same opportunities I was while at Ole Miss.” Accountancy, and we have an obligation to give education that has helped me succeed throughout The 2008 Public Accounting Report ranked back. We have always asked our team members to my career,” said Traylor, Horne chief operating Horne one of the top 50 accounting and business support their alma maters, and with the Ole Miss officer and partner, who earned his accountancy advisory firms in the country. Horne has 13 offices grads, it is an easy ask.” degree in 1987. in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and The endowment will create a general fund for Havens, a 1980 graduate who is a Horne Arizona.

Spring 2009 25 academics

Ole Miss Thanks UM Department Seeds Scholarship M’s department of printing and graphic services Our Presidential Uhas created the first-ever scholarship of its kind. Debate Sponsors Though many university employees give back to Ole Miss, this is the first gift ever made by a university LEAD SPONSORS department as a whole. Principal Donor: The funds to create the endowment will come The Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation from both department employee gifts and depart- mental revenue. Printing and graphic services is AT&T an auxiliary unit of the University, which means BancorpSouth it does not receive funding from the University or Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Chevron Pascagoula Refinery the state. Rather, the department generates its own Entergy revenue for wages, benefits, retirement, health insur- Vice Chancellor Larry Sparks with Hilarie Bain FedEx ance and utilities by charging for its services, some and Tony Seaman of printing and graphic services Mississippi Power of which include graphic design, printing, copying, present a check to Chancellor Robert Khayat Roy Anderson Holding Corporation digital color printing, Web design and bindery. Sanderson Farms “The scholarship will grow each time the or Web design. Southern Company “By creating this scholarship we feel we can have Trustmark Bank campus community hires us for our services,” said Wal-Mart Tony Seaman, department director. “We plan to a direct impact on the University’s core mission of contribute annually to the endowment by giving a education,” Seaman said. “With the increasing costs of IN-KIND SPONSORS percentage of our profits to the fund, so the more work tuition and related costs, this scholarship will perhaps Cirlot Agency we do on campus, the larger the contribution we can make a difference to a student who might not other- Nike make.” wise be able to afford a college education. And who Wicks n’ More Scholarship recipients will be full-time students knows? We might help kick off the career of a talented up-and-coming young artist or designer.” TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS pursuing a degree in fine arts with a focus on graphic Lead Technology Partners: AT&T Business Communications Inc. Cisco Couple Honors Barry Hannah Apple Cellular South niversity of Mississippi First preference for the scholarship will be given to Dell adjunct biology professor a graduate student in the creative writing program in N ewman U Microsoft Howard Lenhoff and his wife, the English department at Ole Miss. Metrocast Sylvia, have honored their The Lenhoffs, who spent the majority of their Sharp friends by creating the Barry careers at the University of California, Irvine, where Photo by Bruce and Susan Hannah Creative Howard is a professor emeritus of biology and Sylvia EVENT SPONSORS American College of Sports Medicine Barry Hannah W r i t i n g S c h o l a r s h i p served as director of relations with schools and colleges, American Dietetic Association Endowment. retired to Oxford six years ago. Soon after they relo- American Heart Association Barry Hannah, a novelist and short story writer, is cated, they got interested “and we started reading his Apple a writer-in-residence at UM. His first novel,Geronimo work,” Sylvia said. “We called him soon after that to Cellular South Rex, won the William Faulkner Prize for fiction and see about taking a class from him. He was so gracious Center for Mississippi Health Policy was nominated for the National Book Award when he and let us in the class even though it was already Columbus Fence Company Dell was just 30. His first collection of short stories, full.” FedEx Airships, is now considered a modern classic. The class led Howard to become more than just a Microsoft Corporation “Barry Hannah is really very special,” Howard fan—it helped him become a better writer, too. Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Lenhoff said. “He’s a national treasure. We’re hoping Since taking Hannah’s class, Lenhoff himself has Oxford/Lafayette County Economic that this is a seed gift that will encourage his many, authored and co-authored several books. Development Foundation Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease many friends and students to give something that will It’s this love of writing that the Lenhoffs hope The Phil Hardin Foundation allow more students an opportunity to study with Hannah will pass on to as many more students as Barry.” possible.

26 FoundationNews academics Alumnus Creates Business Scholarship

lumnus John “Chip” Crunk, of economic times it becomes that times, I knew how committed he was and that made ANashville, Tenn., established the much more important for alumni to me want to give back.” Crunk Family Scholarship Endowment give back when they can.” Besides supporting the School of Business with a gift of $100,000. The scholarship Crunk, who graduated from Administration, Crunk also contributes to UM’s will be awarded to UM students UM in 1987, holds a degree in busi- athletics programs. He and his family, including his pursuing degrees in business who are ness administration. He also serves two children, return to Oxford often for sporting from the middle Tennessee area. on the school’s advisory board. events. Crunk, who was the first person in “I’ve gotten more involved as “Chip Crunk’s generosity is making a difference his family to attend college, said he was the years have gone by and it’s been in the lives of our students and our student-athletes motivated to create the scholarship to fun,” he said. every day,” said Debbie Vaughn, assistant vice chan- help students who might not otherwise Crunk said his gift was also cellor for university relations. “We are grateful to the be able to pursue their dreams of an made out of admiration for Crunk family for their continued support and are glad education. Chancellor Robert Khayat. they are part of our Ole Miss family.” John “Chip” Crunk “I just hope someone gets to go to “He has such a passion for the Crunk is president and CEO of RJ Young Co., an college on this scholarship that may not University and that really impressed office equipment and supply company headquartered have had the chance,” he said. “In these difficult me,” he said. “After having dinner with him a few in Nashville.

Company Surprises Past President With Gift in His Name

he employees of Bryson & Company Insurance, “We are deeply t h e b o a rd o f t h e Theadquartered in Ridgeland, have honored the grateful for this gift National Association company’s past president, Bill Bryson, by creating the from Sam Bryson and o f P r o f e s s i o n a l William M. “Bill” Bryson Fund for Insurance Bryson & Company,” Insurance Agents, Excellence at the University of Mississippi. said Larry Cox, chair and served as presi- Seeded with a gift from Bryson & Company, the of the risk manage- d e n t o f i t s s t a t e fund will support faculty in UM’s risk management ment and insurance association. During and insurance program in the School of Business program. “Bill Bryson his lifelong career Administration, of which Bryson is an alumnus. has dedicated his i n t h e i n s u r a n c e Bryson earned his degree in 1949 and was a member career to this industry industr y, Br yson of the first class to graduate with a major in insurance and this is a fitting served for 36 years after Ole Miss added the program to its curriculum in way to honor him. I in the U.S. Army 1947. know I can speak on and Army Reserve; A group including Bryson’s son, Sam, the current behalf of all of our risk he was called into president of Bryson & Company, surprised him with m a n a g e m e n t a n d active duty during the gift at the 2008 Ole Miss Insurance Symposium, insurance faculty World War II and held March 25-26 at the University. when we say we are so the Korean War, and “I was completely surprised. It was something I appreciative for the retired in 1989 with hadn’t even considered,” Bryson said. “It was a support and gener- Sam Bryson (left), president of Bryson & Company the rank of colonel. generous act on their account. I sincerely appreciate osity from the Bryson Insurance, with his father, Bill Bryson Bryson’s father, what they did for me and for the young people family and Bryson L. L. Bryson, gradu- preparing themselves to enter the insurance industry.” employees.” ated from UM in 1922, and of Bryson’s three children, In 1971, Bill Bryson joined a three-person agency Since graduating from UM, Bryson, a Friars two have direct ties to Ole Miss. Kathy Bryson Cook, then known as Guy Bailey Insurance. Today, Bryson & Point native who now lives in Clinton, has served of Rome, Ga., graduated from the UM School of Company is one of Mississippi’s largest independent on the risk management and insurance program’s Business Administration in 1970 and Janet Bryson insurance agencies. advisory committee. He was vice president and on Flint, of Batesville, is currently attending Ole Miss.

27 academics

Alumna Establishes Scholarship for Pet Lovers

new scholarship endow- Lafayette Humane Society in the more than 100 of her paintings, titled Mostly Ament’s aim is “recognizing 1970s, when she lived in Mississippi is currently in bookstores. and rewarding people who are Oxford. Published by Quail Ridge Press, of Brandon, kind to animals,” according to “I knew a student who was the book is the result of a show by the same name alumna Miriam Wilson Weems, entering Ole Miss who had that hung in the University Museum in 2006 at the who established the fund. rescued two dogs and she told invitation of UM Chancellor Robert Khayat. Weems Weems, who holds degrees me she was going to miss her said that she will donate some proceeds from the in French and art from Ole Miss, pets,” Weems said. “I wanted to book to the newly established scholarship. recently created the Miriam W. create a scholarship for someone “We are profoundly grateful to Miriam Weems Weems Pet Lovers Scholarship like this student, someone who for this unique opportunity to help students,” said Endowment. Scholarship recipi- is kind to those who can’t take up Glenn Hopkins, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. ents will be full-time students in for themselves.” “We strive to attract the best and brightest students the College of Liberal Arts who Although Weems is well- and no doubt many of them care deeply for have a history of caring for known among pet lovers in animals.” unwanted or abused dogs or cats. Oxford and Jackson for rescuing Weems noted that her husband, Tommy, and “Animals are dear to my scores of dogs and cats over the UM Professor Emeritus of English Chuck Noyes, heart,” said Weems, who helped years, she is more widely known who recently passed away, also contributed to the establish and run the Oxford Miriam Wilson Weems for her artwork. A collection of fund.

Accountancy Chair continued from Cover accounting students,” said Chancellor Robert Khayat. knew that the moment you got there. They really took “I’ve gotten to know Roland and Sheryl person- “We are grateful for and inspired by their support.” an interest in their students’ careers and personal ally and they are such warm, giving people,” said assis- The chair will help the Patterson School recruit development.” tant vice chancellor for university relations Debbie and retain the best possible faculty to insure that “This generous gift from the Burns family Vaughn. “As evidenced by their work with Legacy quality teaching, research and service will be available demonstrates their commitment to quality accounting Christian Academy and now this wonderful gift to the for current and future generations of Ole Miss education and we are so grateful for their support, said School of Accountancy, it is clear that they are students. Mark Wilder, dean of the Patterson School. “Roland committed to supporting education.” “The School of Accountancy is an outstanding has had an outstanding career and is such a tremen- Burns’ ties with Ole Miss are strong. He stays program,” Burns said. “We thought this would be a dous success story. We are very proud of him.” involved with the University and serves on the good way to give something back and attract some After earning his degrees from Ole Miss, Burns Patterson School’s advisory board. For the last five world-class talent to the school. Faculty support is a spent eight years with accounting firm Arthur years, he has made sure that Ole Miss students have the great need and is something I feel strongly about Andersen LLP in Dallas, Texas. He then went on to opportunity to work as interns at Comstock. He tries supporting.” join Comstock Resources, a publically held oil and to make it back for at least one football game each Under the tutelage of accountancy professors natural gas company, where he has served as senior season, and both his sons have become big Ole Miss Gene Peery, James Davis and Diane Pearson, Burns vice president, CFO and treasurer. Since then, he’s fans. Following in his footsteps, Burns’ eldest son, excelled in his coursework. watched his career flourish in tandem with Comstock’s Derek, a high school senior, is planning to come to Ole “When I was a student the support that I got from growth—from a market capitalization of $35 million Miss next year as an accounting major. the professors there was tremendous,” he said. “It in 1990 to more than $2.3 billion today. In 2004, “I think if you have been successful, then you have helped me get off to a good start in my career. When I Burns was critical in establishing and taking public an obligation to give back,” he said. “It’s very rewarding look back at Ole Miss, the key part that contributed to Bois d’Arc Energy, a Gulf of Mexico exploration to give, especially to Ole Miss, and it means a lot to me my success was the quality of the professors. Their company that Comstock sold in 2008 for $1.8 personally. It means a lot to be able to contribute back whole lives revolved around the students and you billion. to those who have invested in you.”

28 FoundationNews academics Sorority Gift to Complete Campus Entrance Gates

isitors arriving at the University of operation of the Delta Gamma house on VMississippi campus by way of Highway 6 Sorority Row. The group worked with Kellum and Coliseum Drive will soon see new entrance on the coordination of the gift. Funds for the gates, thanks to a $250,000 commitment from gift came from current member dues and the Delta Gamma House Corporation. alumnae contributions to Delta Gamma along “First impressions are important, and since with investment income, according to Haney. Robert Khayat became chancellor, one of our “Supporting Ole Miss is something we goals has been to make sure that our campus believe to be worthy and important to all of us entrances are attractive and welcoming to both who participate in Delta Gamma,” Haney visitors and students,” said Gloria Kellum, vice said. chancellor for university relations. “We are Judy Trott, who also serves on the house grateful to the Delta Gamma House corporation board and retired from Ole Miss as Corporation for ensuring we achieve this goal dean of students in 2001, said that the group is and more importantly for their strong commit- now looking forward to making another gift to ment to bettering Ole Miss.” the University. The Delta Gamma House Although plans have not been finalized for Members of the Delta Gamma House Corporation Corporation will soon place a sign in front of the gates, University architect Ian Banner said Ventress Hall, according to Trott. The historical the brick and stone structures will be similar to University,” said Carole Haney, president of the Delta marker will note the Tiffany stained glass those at other Ole Miss entrances. With completion of Gamma House Corporation board and an alumna of window inside the 135 year-old building. Original to the Coliseum Drive gates, expected by the end of the Delta Gamma social sorority at Ole Miss. “We Ventress, the window was donated by Delta Gamma 2009, all main roads onto campus will boast entrance wanted to say thank you.” and commemorates the University Grays, the company gates. The house corporation board, which consists of of Ole Miss students and faculty killed in the Civil “Our group wanted to make a lasting gift to the 12 Ole Miss Delta Gamma alumnae, oversees the War.

Teacher Candidates Assist Struggling Young Readers

ifth-grader Carlos Pettis wants to throw a goodbye to Intervention Model (RIM). Angela Rutherford, Fparty at the end of the semester for reading coach CELI director and education professor, said the RIM “Miss Hilton,” a University of Mississippi senior provides a framework for monitoring a student’s skill education major who tutors at his Oxford school. acquisition and responds to lack of progress with “Miss Hilton is a great student-teacher,” said the instructional intervention. smiling 12-year-old, holding his favorite book, Killer “In just two short years since the center was estab- Sharks. “I love to read about sharks.” lished, we’ve impacted many struggling readers and Ashley Hilton is one of 15 UM senior education elementary education majors,” Rutherford said. students selected from a reading diagnostics and inter- Martha McLarty, Della Davidson principal, vention course to take part in a 10-week reading inter- described the project as a win-win: “The Ole Miss vention program at Della Davidson Elementary and tutors care,” McLarty said. “They are a tremendous Oxford Elementary, two Oxford schools. Aimed at benefit here at Della Davidson. Reading is everything, assisting struggling readers, the project also provides and they are helping put my students on a level playing Della Davidson student Carlos Pettis reads to UM student Ashley Hilton the student teachers with a career heads-up. “I look up field when they go on to middle school.” to my mentor, Mrs. Harris,” said Hilton, of Enterprise, Recognizing a child’s difficulties is invaluable, but classroom,” Murphy said. “His word recognition and Ala. “She’s so great with the kids. She’s shown me helping that child improve through one-on-one inter- vocabulary have both increased, and his overall grades everything from how to discipline to how to be creative action is even sweeter, said Tamara Murphy, a UM have improved.” and engage the students to learn and love school.” senior student-teacher from Oxford. The CELI is funded through the Robert M. UM’s Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction “Brandon (the student she helps twice weekly) Hearin Foundation, which helps support the reading (CELI) partnered with the two schools as a result of gets to hear fluent reading, he receives extra assistance intervention program with assistance from the Oxford the Mississippi Department of Education’s Response and in the end he builds his self-confidence in the School District.

Spring 2009 29 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 249 PAID JACKSON, MS University, MS 38677-0249 PERMIT 134

Khayat Legacy Fund Celebrates Retiring Chancellor

he University Foundation recently announced from the donations. Priorities include completion of a 14-year tenure, Khayat garnered more than $827 Tthe creation of the Robert C. Khayat Legacy new law building as well as funding student scholar- million in private contributions, which allowed the Fund, which will provide a means for University to achieve many wide-ranging Ole Miss alumni, faculty, staff, students goals. Among them are a steady increase and friends to honor the outgoing in enrollment, including an increase in chancellor, who announced he will National Merit Scholars; the founding of retire in June. The Legacy Fund will be a Phi Beta Kappa chapter; the selection of used to help offset the negative effects Ole Miss students for Rhodes, Marshall, of current economic conditions on Ole Truman, Fulbright and Goldwater schol- Miss students and on the academic arships; and a Grand Award from the family. Professional Grounds Management “Chancellor Khayat’s role as leader, Society for the best maintained college caretaker, mentor, teacher, nurturer and campus in the nation. friend has transformed our university’s Khayat said he is humbled to be able campuses in so many positive ways,” to direct funds to areas of need as one of said Wendell Weakley, UM Foundation his last acts as chancellor. president and CEO. “Creating this “It has been a privilege to serve our fund is a very small token of our appre- university, and I am grateful for the ciation and will allow him to direct support provided by our alumni, faculty, such resources to areas of greatest need Chancellor Robert C. Khayat in front of the historic Lyceum staff, students and friends,” Khayat said. at Ole Miss—truly consistent with his “The Legacy Fund will be of great benefit character and practice as our chancellor.” ships and academic programs adversely impacted by and will help continue our efforts to strengthen Ole Gifts to the Khayat Legacy Fund will be receipted the current economic climate. Miss.” into a special account at the Foundation. Khayat will The University’s 15th chancellor, Khayat Those wishing to contribute to the fund can visit then determine which university initiatives will benefit announced that he will retire June 30. During his www.umfoundation.com/legacy to make a gift.